Scientific Method Challenge

Do you think your group has what it takes to solve this problem correctly?

• It was a dark and dreadful night when we discovered the disappearance of the priceless Lighthouse Diamond. We all thought it was safe and sound in our super secure vault in the basement of the "You Gotta Have It - Jewelry Store". But alas, the only thing we found was a note and a bag of white powder left in the vault. The thief left them there to tease and taunt us ... how humiliating this has been! We have called you in because we need your professional help in solving this mystery.

• After analyzing the evidence that was left by the crook, by using the scientific method and studying the profiles of the suspects that have been named, your team of police scientists will present your report to the panel of Honorable Judges for possible sentencing of our criminal. We hope we have called in the right scientific team ... YOU! Good Luck!!

• The Task• Your ultimate goal is to find out who is the

mean and nasty culprit who committed this crime. However ...

• First, • you'll need to brush up on how do make a

Scientific Investigation. We don't want any mess-ups and destroy all the evidence. You'll investigate 6 different white powders, looking at their different properties and reactions to a few simple tests.

• Next, • you'll need to investigate the evidence in the

bag that was left by using the Scientific Method to determine what the white powder is. (It could also be a combination of different white powders; so be careful, this crook is tricky!)

• Then, • you'll want to compare the note (with clues)

that the thief left with the results of your findings about the mysterious white powder to see if you can find out who our criminal is.

• Finally, • your scientific team must submit your

Scientific Method Sheet, Mystery Powder Analysis Chart, Student Rubric, and your Accusation Affidavit of who you think committed this crime to the panel of Honorable Judges.

• The Process• Each member of your scientific team should

visit the web sites shown below to remember all the steps to the Scientific Method. Use the Scientific Method Sheet to help organize everything.

•  • The Scientific Method Can be Used to Solve Any

Problem!

• Introduction to the Scientific Method • The Scientific Method

• Then each member should become an expert in one of the following areas and investigate their "cool" topic. Use the Mystery Powder Analysis Chart to see if you can find out what reacts to each of the white powders.

The Sugar Expert:

• Monitor Sugar Company: White Sugar Storage, Shipping, and Packing

• How Sugar is Made • Crystallization of White Sugar • Some Interesting Facts about Sugar

The Salt and Flour Expert:

•  • Some Interesting Facts About Salt and Flou

r

The Baking Soda and Corn Starch Expert:

• What is Baking Soda? • Vinegar and Baking Soda • Some Interesting Facts About Baking Soda

and Corn Starch

The Plaster of Paris Expert:

• Plaster of Paris • Westroc

Plaster of Paris - Specification Sheet • Some Interesting Facts About Plaster of Par

is

• Now get to work...• • Work together using the Internet to to fully

understand the Scientific Method. • Decide which of the four Experts each team

member wants to be and have each explore their field on the Internet with the help of the "Mystery Powder Analysis Chart". You will want a copy for each member so they can find information, properties, and what reacts with their white powder. Each expert will need to take notes about their subject and turn these notes in to the Honorable Judges at the end of this case.

• Using teamwork and a lot of care, analyze the reactions of white sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, baking soda, and Plaster of Paris by following the special "Mystery Powder Instruction Sheet - Part I".

• Using teamwork and a lot of care, analyze the sample of white powder left by the "Lighthouse Diamond Theft" following the special "Mystery Powder Instruction Sheet - Part II".

• Compare "The Note" that was left by the Lighthouse Diamond Theft to the "Suspect List" telling about each suspect. Now, knowing what the mystery powder is, you can solve this case.

• Present your findings (Notes from each of the four "Expert Fields", "The Scientific Method Sheet", "Mystery Powder Analysis Chart", "Final Accusation Affidavit", and the "Scientific Team Rubric") to the panel of Honorable Judges for their decision on your job. (Sorry you had to work like a dog, but don't worry, your check will be in the mail for all your hard work and dedication .... arff ... arff...)

• Evaluation• Your team will be judged on how well you work

as a scientific team. This will include all the work you turn in; including each expert's notes, "The Scientific Method Sheet, the "Mystery Powder Analysis Chart" the "Final Accusation Affidavit" and the "Scientific Team Rubric". The Honorable Judges may decide to give everyone in your scientific team the same grade (if you all work the same amount) or you may find they will give you different grades (if someone in your group doesn't do their share of the work).

• Scoring rubric

• Conclusion• By the time your group reaches the end of

this quest, your team of scientific experts will be able to use The Scientific Method to solve a crime! Your group will also be great at analyzing white powders to determine what they are and some of their properties and reaction qualities to a few simple tests.

• Wouldn't it be interesting to see what real tests are done by a real police laboratory and see what kind of cases they have to solve?