| Objective |
A scientist is very similar to a detective. Both use investigative
thinking to solve problems and require skill in careful observing,
forming hypotheses and drawing conclusions from well organized data.
In this event you will assume the role of a forensic investigator
to gather and analyze samples of biological material from a crime
scene.
|
| Participants |
Teams of up to six. |
| Procedure |
The investigation will involve locating,
identifying and/or otherwise analyzing various types of biological
evidence including hair, blood, fingerprints, DNA fingerprints and
conifer needles. The objective of the investigation is not to discover
"who done it" but, rather, to collect, analyze and report
on the evidence in support of a hypothesis. |
| Forensic
Kit |
On the day of the Olympics, a "Laboratory",
equipped with a compound microscope and a dissecting microscope will
be provided for each team. Individual teams are expected to assemble
and bring their own Forensic Kits containing the remaining reagents,
equipment and reference slides etc. as described in the Instruction
Manual. Your kit may include protocols as well as other reference
material. Specialized reagents will be provided at the workshop. |
| Instruction
Manual |
Download: Instruction
manual. (10 pages, pdf file).
Download:
Finger Print 1 Finger
Print 2 Finger
Print 3 |
| Judging |
Teams of six students will have access
to their crime scene and Laboratory for one hour. Reports are due
after an additional half hour. Points will be awarded on the basis
of a team's ability to (i) locate and accurately analyze the types
of evidence addressed in this exercise and (ii) draw logical conclusions
regarding the crime events or suspects. |
| Source |
London District Science Olympics. This
event was created by Tom Haffie. |
