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Latent Prints
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In this activity, learners examine fingerprints. Learners leave a hidden print on a surface and then make their own print detecting powder from graphite (found in pencils).

Chromatography Can Separate!
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In this chemistry activity, learners use thin layer chromatography to determine the molecular composition of different markers.

Invisible Ink Demonstration
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In this chemistry demonstration, learners will discover that phenolphthalein is a chemical that displays different colors depending on the acidity or basicity of the environment.

Separating with Chromatography
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In this experiment, learners separate different types of molecules in marker inks (using a technique called "thin layer chromatography").

Chromatography
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In this activity, explore chromatography and the various colors that make up the ink in markers. Use this activity to investigate cohesion and adhesion.

Mystery Powders
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Learners are given mysterious white powders and have to determine their identity with chemical tests.

lambda DNA Fingerprinting Simulation
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The purpose of this lab activity is to demonstrate (through simulation) how DNA fingerprinting (or DNA profiling) might be used to solve a crime.

Luminol Test
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Learners mix a solution containing luminol and copper with a fake blood solution. A chemical reaction between the luminol solution and fake blood (hydrogen peroxide) show learners a blue glow.

Mystery Powders
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In this activity on page 2 of the PDF (Get Cooking With Chemistry), learners conduct chemical tests on certain powders used in cooking.

Secret Message
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In this activity, learners explore acid and bases as they create their own invisible ink out of baking soda and grape juice.

Home Molecular Genetics
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In this activity, learners extract DNA from their own cheek cells, then create a rudimentary DNA profile similar to those seen on crime scene dramas.

Black Magic (Color Chromatography)
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With a coffee filter, a black marker, and a cup of water, discover the secret colors hidden in black ink.

The Ballistic Pendulum
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In this physics crime lab or demonstration, learners pretend they are criminologists and must find the "muzzle velocity" (speed of the bullet as it leaves the gun) of a gun used to commit a crime.

A Matter of Splatter
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In this math-based activity, learners will experiment to find how height and angle affect spatter and then use this knowledge to solve a crime.

Mystery Writing: Write and develop a secret message
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Learners write an invisible message using lemon juice on a piece of paper. They then develop the message by soaking the paper in a dilute iodine solution.

Secret Goldenrod Messages
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In this activity, learners write invisible messages on goldenrod paper, and make the message appear and disappear using acids and bases.

Fruit Juice Mystery
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In this chemistry challenge, learners work to figure out which of four juices are real, and which is just food coloring and sugar.

Dusting For Fingerprints
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In this activity, learners become detectives and use chemistry to investigate fingerprints.

What's Your Blood Type?
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In this activity, learners perform a simulated blood test procedure.
Send Secret Messages
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In this activity, learners write a secret message in "invisible ink" and then use chemistry to view the writing.