Unit SCI 8.

5
Forensic Science

by Ms Charmaine Bartolo

Name and Surname:

________________________________

Year: ________
 Unit SCI 8.5 Forensic Science
-Ink Chromatography | DIY Crime Scene Investigator Activities | Whodunit?

Useful Websites
1. Information on Forensic Science
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/forensicscience.html

2. Forensic Science PowerPoint presentations

https://www.sciencespot.net/Pages/classforsci.html

3. Do identical twins have identical fingerprints?

https://wstwinregistry.org/2015/10/01/do-identical-twins-have-identical-
fingerprints/

4. What is DNA?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zvwbcj6

5. Friction
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zttfyrd/revision/4

6. Paper chromatography animation and quiz:

https://www.footprints-science.co.uk/index.php?type=Chromatography

7. Other lessons on crime scene investigations

https://teleskola.mt/5-4-forensic-dentist/
https://teleskola.mt/forensic-science-flame-tests/

Useful videos

1. Forensic scientist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qESpv6bqBuU

2. What is Forensic Science

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmwqOfnYWS4
• https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-forensic-science-definition-
history-types.html
• https://study.com/academy/lesson/forensic-evidence-types-definition-
cases.html

Ms Charmaine Bartolo Page 2

3. Introduction to Crime Scenes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgzdhUAJrBA

4. How to Dust for Fingerprints

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8u5GyErpZU

5. How is DNA fingerprinting used to identify a criminal?

https://youtu.be/AkBUriMK9u8

6. Ink Chromatography | DIY Crime Scene Investigator Activities | Whodunit?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9792alsZJNc

7. Crime Lab Science for kids

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeyCxa2rTQc

8. How Does a Parachute Work?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tofBRpzB5n4

List of Keywords
air resistance force
bags for collection of evidence friction
chromatography
contamination genetic material
cotton buds
lubricant
DNA
DNA testing/DNA rough
fingerprinting
drag smooth
tweezers
evidence magnifying lens
evidence labels newton (N)
evidence markers newton meter

fingerprints UV lamp
fingerprint powder and brush

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 Introduction to Forensic Science

What is forensic science or crime scene investigation?

[Refer to useful videos nos. 1 and 2 (first one)]

• Forensic science is the application of science to solve crimes.

• This has a long history that relies heavily on scientific
principles, technology and laws.
• Crimes are usually solved as a result of investigations
carried out by the forensic scientists.

1. For crime scene investigators (CSI), the right clothing means

protecting yourself from harm and injury and avoiding
contamination at the crime scene.

Look at the picture and make a list of what a crime scene

investigator should wear.

• _________________ • _________________ • _________________

• _________________ • _________________ • _________________

2. What tools does the crime scene investigator require to do his job well?

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 a. ____________________________________
b. ____________________________________
c. ____________________________________
d. ____________________________________
e. ____________________________________
f. ____________________________________
g. ____________________________________
h. ____________________________________
i. ____________________________________

3. Which of the tools in no. 2 above has/have the function stated?

can be used to collect blood samples

to make invisible marks shine

to highlight fingerprints and collect them

examine very tiny pieces of evidence

to pick fibre and hair samples

used to collect and classify evidence

Watch the video in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgzdhUAJrBA

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Case Scenario 1

There has just been a theft of a famous art painting at a museum in Italy. When
the police arrived on the scene, there was no sign of the thieves. The police
asked the crime scene investigator to help.

1. You are the crime scene investigator called to search for evidence at the
museum after the theft. What evidence (clues) will you collect?
• _________________________________

• _________________________________

• _________________________________

• _________________________________

• _________________________________

• _________________________________

2. Explain how some of these clues can be used in the investigation.

A. Fingerprints

Visible fingerprints are formed when blood, dirt, ink, paint, etc., are
transferred from a finger or thumb to a surface. Invisible fingerprints
are the result of the body’s natural oils and sweat on the skin that are
deposited onto another surface.

Investigators look at 3 main types of fingerprint patterns:

arches, loops, and whorls.

They also identify unique ridge characteristics in a fingerprint.

A database is then used by investigators to search for fingerprints
which match the fingerprints found at a crime scene to identify a
suspect or victim.

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 a. Select the correct answer:
Refer to this video link: https://wstwinregistry.org/2015/10/01/do-
identical-twins-have-identical-fingerprints

Fingerprints are unique. This means that:

• there are no two fingerprints that are identical
• persons in the same family have the same fingerprints
• identical twins have identical fingerprints
• two persons can have the same fingerprints.

b. How do you collect fingerprints from a crime scene?

Refer to this video link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8u5GyErpZU

Put the following statements in the correct order:

Stick the tape on a microscope slide and place in the evidence bag.

Observe closely the object where you think there might be

fingerprints.
Stick the adhesive tape on the fingerprint and peel it carefully from
the object.

Use the fine brush to deposit some fine powder on the fingerprint.

c. Home Fun Activity : Take your fingerprints

Method 1: You need an ink pad (the kind you can get from a
stationery shop).

Roll one of your fingers carefully onto the ink surface

then press it carefully onto a sheet of clean paper -
don't use too much ink. Wash your hands well.
You could try taking prints from your family and friends and see how they
compare with your own.

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 Method 2: You can make fingerprints using a thick,
soft pencil. Scribble a thick layer of pencil onto a
piece of paper by going over and over the same spot.
Then rub your finger into the pencil "pad" so your
finger is black. Now press your finger onto a clean
sheet of paper. Wash your hands well.

B. DNA (found in the nucleus of each cell and carries

genetic material)

• Every human has a unique DNA pattern (except for

identical twins who share the same DNA, as they both came from the same
fertilised cell). Forensic scientists use the unique pattern of each person’s
DNA to help catch criminals.
• Investigators collect human cells left at a crime scene, from blood, hair, skin,
finger nails, bones, teeth and body fluids. Then they extract DNA from the
cells, analyse it and make a DNA profile.
• The DNA profile is then checked against a database of other profiles. If there
is a match, it could be used as evidence.

The figure shows DNA from the

crime scene (far left) compared to
DNA from suspects.

Which suspect has DNA matching

the DNA sample from the crime
scene?

• suspect 1
• suspect 2
• suspect 3

Refer to PowerPoint Presentation on Physical Evidence at a Crime Scene:

Shoeprints and Tyre Tracks and Hairs and Fibres

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Case Scenario 2

A gang was performing a series of burglaries.

They were careless, leaving behind clues to their
identities. They used a fast sports car to make
their escape during which they caused accidents
and left traces of car paint behind.
One of the thieves became so He he he!
confident that in the latest burglary he even left a message in You can’t
catch us!
black marker ink on a paper. We’re too
smart!
The police forensic team of scientists took samples of the car paint
and the note to the laboratory.

A. Assess the above situation in your group:

1. Which method of separation (separation technique) would the forensic

scientists use on the samples of car paint and the note with black marker
ink?

______________________________________________________

2. Is it sufficient (enough) evidence to find that the paint on the car matches
that at the scene of the crime? (Yes / No). Give a reason

_______________________________________________________

3. What other clues (evidence) might help the police to solve the crime?
Mention at least 3 clues.

• _____________________________________________________

• _____________________________________________________

• _____________________________________________________

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 B. Connected to this case, three known thieves have been arrested by the
police – all of them had a black pen in their pocket.

You are one of the scientists called in by the police to help test if one of the
pens could have been used to leave the message on the note.
The teacher has available a piece of the note and three pens identical to
those of the suspects.

Refer to the following laboratory report.

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 Class Experiment:
Laboratory Report - Using chromatography to investigate Ink Evidence

The demonstration is based on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9792alsZJNc

Date: _________________

Title: _______________________________________________________

Aim: To use paper chromatography so as to identify which of the three pens was
used to write the message on the note found at the crime scene.

Apparatus:
• three different black markers (not permanent) to represent the three pens
of the suspects
• 4 strips of filter papers
• 4 beakers
• 4 pencils
• paperclips
• water

Diagram:

pencil

strip of filter
paper

ink mark

beaker

water

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Method:
1. The markers _______________ (to label) A, B and C.
2. A line _______________ (to make) with one of the markers 2cm from one
end of a strip of filter paper.
3. The letter of the marker _______________ (to write) on the filter paper
in pencil.
4. The filter paper _______________ (to place) in a beaker filled with about
1cm of water.
5. A pencil _______________ (to attach) to the top of the filter paper and
paperclips _______________ (to use) at the sides of the filter paper so as
not to slip.
6. The strip _______________ (to leave) in water until the ink started to
separate into its different colours.
7. The strip _______________ (to allow) to dry in air.
8. The above steps _______________ (to repeat) with the other 2 markers.
9. The filter paper representing the note _______________ (to insert)
directly into the beaker, making sure that the ink did not soak in the water.
10. The results of the three markers A, B and C _______________ (to
compare) with the result of the ink from the note left at the crime scene.

Results: Stick the scanned copy of the filter papers with the results here.

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1. What colours did you observe in each of the black ink samples?

Pen A: _________________________________________
Pen B: _________________________________________
Pen C: _________________________________________
Ink on note: _____________________________________

2. Did some ink samples not work? Why?

__________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

3. Identify different solvents that may be used.

_______________________________________________________

Conclusion:

When comparing the results, it was found out that the result of marker ___
matches best with that on the note.

The marker by itself did not reveal that the suspect is guilty of the crime – much
more evidence is required.

Other things that forensic scientists can analyse about the note itself are
____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Ms Charmaine Bartolo Page 13

Case Scenario 3

The police were called to investigate a car

accident, in which some people were seriously
injured.
When they arrived at the accident scene, they
discovered that two cars had crashed at a
cross road. One of the cars left long tyre marks
on the tarmac while the other car did not leave
any markings but was seen by a witness,
swirling uncontrollably. The police noticed there was some liquid spread on the
road.
The police decided to investigate whether this accident was caused by over-
speeding or by this liquid spread on the road.

A. Assess the above situation in your group:

1. What did the crash investigators need to measure at the accident scene?
_______________________________________________________

2. What information can they get from the tyre marks left at the accident
scene??
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

3. What caused Car A to leave tyre marks on the road?

_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

4. The fact that the tyre marks were long, what does this indicate?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

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 5. Give two reasons why Car B did not leave any tyre marks.

• _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

• _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

The report written by the investigators was _____________ (conclusive /

inconclusive) as they ________________ (could /could not ) identify which of
the causes (over-speeding and liquid on the road) resulted in the accident.

B. You are one of the scientists called in by the police to help investigate which
kind of surface produces the greatest friction.

Refer to the following laboratory report: Investigating Friction between Two

Surfaces

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 Class Experiment:
Laboratory Report - Investigating Friction between Two Surfaces

(Adapted lab report: Courtesy of Ms M.R. Schiavone)

Date: _________________

Title: _______________________________________________________

Aim: To investigate which kind of surface produces the greatest friction.

Prediction: I think that the surface that will produce the greatest friction will be
________________.

The Plan:

a) The variable that needs to be changed is ___________________________.

b) The variable that needs to be kept the same is _______________________

_________________________________________________________.

c) The variable that needs to be measured is __________________________

_________________________________________________________.

Apparatus:

• _______________________________________

• _______________________________________

• _______________________________________

• _______________________________________

• _______________________________________

• _______________________________________

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Diagram: (Label the diagram)

Set up of apparatus used for investigating friction between two surfaces

Method:

1. The apparatus _______________ (to set up) as shown above.

2. The wooden block _______________ (to place) on the bench.

3. The wooden block _______________ (to pull) across the bench, using the
newton meter.

4. The reading on the newton meter _______________ (to read) and

_____________ (to record) in the table of results.

5. The experiment _______________ (to repeat) three times for each of the
different surfaces.

Precautions for fair testing:

The __________ (least / most) force needed to pull the block was measured,

making sure that the block was moved ____________________ (very fast /at

a steady speed).

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Results:

Force (in N)
Type of Average
1 st
2 nd
3rd
surface Force (in N)
reading reading reading
bench

sand paper

plastic

floor

Conclusion: The experiment showed that:

(i) When the wooden block was dragged on each of the surfaces, a force was
present between the bottom surface of the block and the surface on which it was
sliding. This force was opposing the movement of the block - it is called
_____________.

(ii) When the surface used was rough, as in the case of the ______________,
a ____________ ( smaller / greater ) force was needed to drag the object.
This means that there was ___________ ( less / more) friction than when the
surface was replaced with a smooth one.
My prediction was therefore _____________ (correct / wrong).

Refer to the video in this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RdL0V1UwpZI&feature=youtu.be

On the road, there are a number of factors which can reduce friction and
therefore make it more difficult for a vehicle to slow down and stop quickly.
These are:
(i) the type of tarmac
(ii) liquids (such as rain or oil) on the tarmac
(iii) the condition of the tyres.

Ms Charmaine Bartolo Page 18

 Information Sheet: Forces

1. Forces can be measured using a newton meter. It is named after the scientist
Isaac Newton who invented it. He discovered the laws of gravity and motion.

newton meter

2. Friction is a force between two surfaces

that are moving over each other.
Because it opposes motion, friction
slows down the moving object or tries to
stop it from moving.

3. The amount of friction depends on the materials from which the two surfaces
are made. The rougher the surface, the more friction is produced.
Even surfaces which feel quite smooth are rough
when seen under the microscope.
We can reduce friction by adding a lubricant,
such as oil, between the surfaces. This will hold
the surfaces apart as the oil flows between them.

4. Friction also produces heat. If you rub your hands

together quickly, you will feel them get warmer.

5. Friction in air is called air resistance or drag.

6. Friction in water is always called drag.

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Here are some applications and implications of friction in everyday life:

Applications Illustrations Implications

Friction acts to grip the

Friction enables us to
ground and prevents us
walk and run.
from slipping.

Friction makes Friction between the

cars/bicycles move, tyres and the road stops
go round corners, car/bike from skidding;
accelerate, slow down. friction between the
brakes and wheel help
car/bike to slow down.
This means that friction
Friction is present in the causes surfaces to heat
moving parts of a car up and wear out. Adding
engine/bicycle as they a lubricant, such as oil, to
rub against each other. the moving parts reduces
friction.

Friction on roads is
reduced by snow, ice or The car can skid as the
water because the humps tyres are unable to grip
and hollows of the rough the ground.
road are smoothed. ice

An object with a This is so that air/water

streamlined body (e.g. can flow past it and the
fish, car) reduces drag. object can move easily.

This is so it slows you

A parachute increases air
down and you can land
resistance.
safely.

force of gravity

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Learning Checklist: SCI 8.5 Forensic Science

Tick (✓) each learning outcome while studying this topic.

I can recognise that science can be used to test evidence

1.
and solve problems.

I can identify some forensic investigations which may be

2.
used to solve crimes

I can assess simple observations of a situation and match

3.
pieces of evidence.

I know how to perform chromatography and interpret its

4.
results.

I can evaluate the effect of friction on different surfaces

5.
and its use in everyday life.

6. I know how to use a newton meter to measure forces.

I can name another scientist and describe some of his

7.
work.

8. I can describe what friction is.

I can identify applications and implications of friction in

9.
everyday life.

I can make observations, communicate findings and

10.
conclusions effectively.

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