Evidence and Investigation

Graphite Powder from the fingerprinting station

At the fingerprinting analysis station, we learned that fingerprints can be very important when identifying suspects, as a fingerprint means that the suspect was in that room and touched that object. Investigators will use graphite powder to collect fingerprints off of objects. There are 4 main fingerprint types, arches, loops, whorls, and composite. 

The Chromatology Station

At the chromatology analysis station, we studied how they identify what pen wrote what by using chromatology solution to make the ink bleed up the paper. When the chromatology solution hit the ink, it separates the inks ingredients, causing it to bleed.

The note

At the Handwriting analysis station, we used tracing paper to identify who wrote what using tracing paper. You can either trace the underlining of the words, or the slant of the letters. We had to identify who wrote the ransom note.

At the Hair and Fibre Analysis station, we used microscopes to identify what hair or fibre belonged to who. We had to chart the different qualities of the fibre or hair. 

Footprints

At the soil and footprint analysis station, we examined the soil of the garden and the soil on the shoes of the suspects. There were 6 different soils to be examined, including the soil from the garden. We also had to compare the suspect's shoes with the tracks found at the scene. We also learned how to tell is an animal or a person is walking or running. 

At the end, we determined that Allister, who kidnapped his uncle and foraged the note so he could get 80% of the inheritance. Our results at the Fingerprint, Handwriting, Fibre, and Footprint stations comfirmed this.

Evidence and Investigation

Fingerprint analysis
In the fingerprint analysis we learnt how to track fingerprints using graphite powder. We also learnt what pattern you can have on fingers, you can either have a loop, an arch, a composite or the whirl.  This was one of my favorite stations.


Chromatography Analysis
This station was where we either picked blue or black (in my case black) and, we had to put it on a little sheet of paper and we put them in a solution.  This was to see who could have been the suspect by seeing how far the ink raised.


Handwriting/Graphology
In the handwriting station we saw one sample of writing and the card, we had to figure out who's writing that could have been the suspect.  In our case our suspect for the handwriting station we got Ally. (but was that our final suspect)

Fibre and Hair analysis
In this station we learnt that by looking with a microscope we can see fibres and hairs from the 5 suspects. When we wer at this station we figured out that was the 4th time we had Anna as a suspect.

Soil  analysis
In this station we looked at all the suspects shoes and we also looked at the crime scene to see if any matched. Before we looked at the crime scene we looked at the bottom of the shoes to see if they were worn out or anything like that

Animal walking and running tracks
When we were at this station we had to see what kind of animal it was and if it was running or walking. We figured out that is wad running and then walking and the animal was a cat.

Final Suspect
In the end we learnt that are final suspect was Anna. We were the only ones who got Anna, because it wouldn't be fair if somebody called out "Oh It's Anna"  So everybody got a different suspect just to be fair.

Yesterday in science we learned about evidence and investigation we learned about Fingerprint Analysis, matching fingerprints, Chromatography analysis, Handwriting analysis, Fibre and hair analysis and finally track and soil analysis. we did these activities to try and solve a murder mystery and each group was different! we each got a briefcase with all the stuff we needed to solve the mystery. afterwards the Hands on Science person told us if the person we picked was the right suspect. Our group the yellow group picked the right suspect her name was Ally Bi!!! That is what I learned from the Science Presentation, Case close.....

Exploring the world of Evidence and Investigation - Grade 6

The other day we had a fantastic learning opportunity where we explored the world of Evidence and Investigation. We spent the half day rotating through various investigation stations in an effort to solve the mystery presented to us by our facilitator from "Hands on Science". As a reflective activity, I would like each of you to create a posting that describes what you learned at these various learning stations. 

Your Post should comment on the following:

• Fingerprint Analysis
• Chromatography Analysis
• Handwriting Analysis / Graphology Station
• Fibre and Hair Analysis
• Soil Analysis
• Animal Walking and Running Track Patterns
• Who did it and how did you determine that?

What will the next 30 years bring us in Space and Flight

On January 28th, 1986 I was in Grade 5 at Holyrood Elementary in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Word came to the classroom that The Space Shuttle Challenger had exploded after take off. We all huddled around a radio and listen to what had happened, trying to imagine in our 11 year old minds what had happened. At that moment the world was in shock and people wondered how this would impact the space program for years to come. 



Over the last several months, Chris Hadfield has opened a world of beauty and exploration from the International Space Station. My grade 6 students and I have been following his journey and adventure all year long. Today I will shared this final chapter with them and encourage them to dream of what the next 30 years will bring in space, flight and overall technological innovation.

Thank you Commander for sharing your world with all of us!