What's Your Blood Type?

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In this activity, learners perform a simulated blood test procedure. They perform control reactions and test reactions, then use their observations to determine the blood type of different "suspects." This activity is currently used in the Crime Scene Chemistry unit of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry's Chemistry Lab, but can be adapted to other educational environments, including a home chemistry lab. Cost estimates are per 100 learners. For safety reasons, this activity works best as a demonstration for younger audiences.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • KOH (potassium hydroxide) (keep 20g on hand)
  • FeCl3-5H20 (ferric chloride hexahydrate) (keep 30g on hand)
  • water
  • red food color
  • yellow food color
  • well plate
  • two 75mL squeeze bottles
  • five 125mL squeeze bottles
  • two one-liter bottles
  • one 500 mL bottle

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Human Body
      • Circulation
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions

Informal Categories

  • Crime Science
  • Science Festivals Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation