CSIscience

SCENARIO

When the members of the CSIscience Academy arrived on July 20th much to their horror

Phiesty, the beloved academy mascot, had been kidnapped. The crime scene has been processed and there are several suspicious

clues gathered from the crime scene. Pictures have been taken and items have been

collected as evidence.

The Mission:

Utilize crime scene investigation techniques to solve the case and get our mascot back. We cannot possibly continue the CSIscience

Academy successfully without Phiesty.

EVIDENCE

0A ransom note was left on top of the cage written in black ink.

0A fingerprint was able to be lifted from the table.

0A mysterious white powder was found on the floor near the crime scene.

0A napkin with lipstick stain was found in the trash can that was located in the gym.

0A white fiber was snagged on the edge of the cage

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

The members of the iScience team cleaned and wrapped up the first day of the Academy by 4:30 yesterday. The only people who were in the building after them were certain LCISD cabinet members who were meeting about the CSIscience Academy. No one else has been able to get into the building, much less around Pfeisty in the gym. This means they are our main suspects.

SUSPECT #1[Click on bars for additional information]

Last name: HavenFirst name: Miss BeaHeight: 5’5””Eye color: blueHair color: blondeFavorite color: purple

Statement

Alibi/Evidence Additional

SUSPECT #2

Last name: Prairie First name: JohnHeight: 5’7””Eye color: brownHair color: brownFavorite color: blue

Statement

Alibi/Evidence Additional

SUSPECT #3

Last name: HoneyFirst name: GrandmaHeight: 5’5”Eye color: blueHair color: blondeFavorite color: blue

Statement

Alibi/Evidence Additional

SUSPECT #4

Last name: BootsFirst name: JesseHeight: 5’4”Eye color: BlueHair color: BrownFavorite color: Purple

Statement

Alibi/Evidence Additional

SUSPECT #5

Last name: PenneyFirst name: MoneyHeight: 5’ 7”Eye color: hazelHair color: brownFavorite color: pink

Statement

Alibi/Evidence Additional

DETECTIVE WORKAll six suspects have gone in for questioning. Each suspect: 0was fingerprinted.0gave a writing sample.0Provided clothing to be checked for white powder and fibers. 0was questioned about the white powders found on their clothing.0Was checked for lipstick match.0Hair samples were collected.

We are counting on YOU to get Pfiesty

back to the CSIscience Academy.

You will investigate:0Handwriting/ink

0Fingerprints0White powders

0Lipstick0Fiber0Hair

ANALYZE THE CRIME SCENE

Sketch the crime scene:0Photograph the crime scene.0Measure the length and width of the crime scene.0Record your measurements in data table.0Use a 1cm=10cm scale.0Indicate north, south, east, and west on your drawing.0Pick two fixed points in the crime scene, (a table, a door, and a window are examples of fixed points). Record the names of these fixed points in Data Table 2.0Measure the distance of the evidence to the fixed points.0Note the distances on your sketch.

SKETCHING THE CRIME SCENE

Data Table 2

Name of Evidence Object

Fixed Point 1

Fixed Point 2

Distance of Object from Fixed Point 1

Distance from Point 1 to Scale

Distance of Object from Fixed Point 2

Distance from Point 2 to Scale

Fiber/Hair            

Fiber/ Hair            

Lipstick            

Haven’s badge            

White powder            

           

Data Table 1Length of Crime Scene in cm

Length of Crime Scene to Scale

Width of Crime Scene in cm

Width of Crime Scene to scale

       

Create data tables in your journal.

MYSTERY POWDER

0 The testing lab is overwhelmed and has hired you to help with testing. You will need to look at the contents of the evidence envelope and determine what tests and procedures you will follow to determine who stole Phiesty. You will run tests to identify the mystery powder left at the crime scene.

0 You will need to construct a data chart in which to record all of your testing results. Your testing results will be used by the investigative team to solve the crime. You will turn in your testing results in the form of a data chart to the head lab technician so the results can be compiled with the other tested evidence from the crime scene.

Powder ReactionsName Test Reaction

Baking soda Vinegar Bubbles and fizzes

Corn starch Iodine Turns blue-black

Salt Heat Makes tiny dent in the foil

White flour Heat/Iodine Turns brown, smells burned, turns blue/black

Sugar Heat Turns black, bubbles, release a sweet smell

Plaster of Paris

iodine Turns yellow

FINGERPRINTS

A fingerprint was lifted and collected at the crime scene and included as evidence. You will compare the crime scene

fingerprint to those provided by the suspects when they were questioned.

Fiber/Hair

0 Examine the evidence collected at the crime scene in the evidence bag. You will use the same procedure for analyzing fibers or hair. Use the Fiber or Hair factsheet to help identify the evidence.

0 Examine the evidence collected at the crime scene in the evidence bag. You will use the same procedure for the fibers or hair flame test. Use the Fiber and Hair factsheet to help identify the evidence.

Ink

0 Substances in a mixture that are not chemically combined can be separated. One way of separating mixtures such as inks, food colorings, and lipsticks is a procedure called chromatography. To observe color patterns you will use a 50/50 solution of alcohol and acetone in the container.

HANDWRITING ANALYSIS

0 Look at the handwriting sample of each suspect and the note.

0 Using the Handwriting Comparison Points, choose one or two of the handwriting characteristics found in each category for each handwriting sample and the note.

0 List them on the Handwriting Analysis Data Table.

HANDWRITING COMPARISON POINTS

HANDWRITING COMPARISON POINTS (CONT.)

Miss Bea Haven0 “Before I left for the meeting with Dr. Randle, I picked

myself up a cup of coffee. While adding sugar, I accidentally spilled some on myself. As there were several elementary teachers in the academy, I felt I needed to hear how the opening day went. I arrived and the CSIscience team was about to begin the discussion. After the debriefing the entire team left. The cabinet stayed to discuss the possible building changes. We decided to walk the building while discussing the changes. We all viewed Phiesty in the gym and then continued with the walk. Dr. Randle stated he would make a final walk through to secure the building. As we returned to the cafeteria we passed the ladies room. I decided to make a pit stop because I had errands to run after I left the building. I left the building after visiting the ladies room”.

Back to Bea

Miss Bea Haven

Alibi: I was the first to leave because I had errands to run. I arrived home and ate dinner with my husband and daughter.

Evidence Collected:• White powder found on clothing• Black Ink Pen collected from her pocket• Red Lipstick collected from her handbag• Hair and Fiber Samples collected

Back to Bea

Miss Bea Haven

Feelings about prairie dogs: They are good at herding cattle

Shades of lipstick: Red Revolution Maybelline

Clothing: torn blue jeans, white polyester tank top.

Back to Bea

John Prairie0 “I was meeting Dr. Randle and the other members of the

cabinet at Lamar CHS for a debriefing of the first day of the CSIscience academy. I arrived and the CSIscience Team was just finishing up with setting up for day two. After the debriefing, the team left together. I suggested we walk the building as we discussed possible changes. At the end of our discussion we had reached the gym. We went in the gym to see Phiesty and then went our separate ways. When leaving I hugged all of the ladies. Afterwards, Dr. Randle let me know I had lipstick on my collar. I wiped the lipstick off with a tissue and then left to meet my family at McDonalds. Heartburn City when I eat McDonald’s food so I stopped and mixed some baking soda in a glass of water and drank it before I left for McDonalds.”

Back to JP

John Prairie

Alibi: I stayed to clean up. I met my family at McDonalds

Evidence Collected:0 Black Ink Pen Collected from suspect’s vehicle

0 Red Lipstick Stain sample collected from suspect’s shirt collar

0 White powder found underneath suspect’s fingernails.0 Hair and Fiber Samples collected

Back to JP

John Prairie

Feelings about prairie dogs: They are just there no special feelings.

Shades of Lipstick: No Comment

Clothing: Rugged blue jeans, white cotton button down Western

Shirt

Back to JP

Jesse Boots0 “Dr. Randle had asked the cabinet to meet at Lamar CHS to

discuss a possible facilities change for the next school year. We would first receive a debriefing of the first day of the CSIscience Academy and then discuss the facilities. I arrived and the CSIscience team members were finishing up with setting up for day two. I walked into the building right after John. The cabinet stayed after the debriefing to discuss the possible facility change. John suggested we walk the building as we discussed possible changes. When we reached the gym we went in to see Phiesty. After a few minutes we all left to return home. I was in a rush as I knew traffic was going to be bad. The reason I had the cornstarch was that I own championship horses. I use the cornstarch to rub into their white markings to make them look dazzling for the judges.”

Back to Jesse

Jesse Boots

Alibi: I left early due to traffic.

Evidence Collected:0 Container of Cornstarch was found in suspect’s

vehicle0 Black Ink Pen collected from suspect’s purse0 Red Lipstick collected from her purse0 Hair and Fiber Samples collected.

Back to Jesse

Jesse Boots

Feeling about prairie dogs: very cute!

Shades of lipstick: Alarm Red Lipstick

Clothing: Khaki shorts, white nylon

Back to Jesse

Grandma Honey

0 “Dr. Randle had asked me to attend a debriefing of the CSIscience academy at Lamar CHS at 4:00pm. I arrived a little before 4:00 and waited for the meeting. While I was waiting for the meeting, I went to visit my good friend who works in the cafeteria. She was stocking her cabinets so I helped. While I waited I walked down to view Phiesty in the gym. I have never seen a prairie dog up close and have only seen them in books. He was so cute! I walked out with everyone else, but when I got to my car I was not able to find my keys. I walked back into the school and found them in the cafeteria. Once I found my keys I left the building.”

Back to Granny

Grandma Honey

Alibi: I walked out with everyone else. I went home and had a

typical night.

Evidence Collected: 0 White powder found on clothing0 Black Ink Pen collected from her purse0 Red Lipstick collected from her purse0 Hair and Fiber Samples collected

Back to Granny

Grandma Honey

Feelings about prairie dogs: I never met a prairie dog but they look cute in books

Shades of lipstick: Retro Red Lipstick

Clothing: Black pants, white silk shirt.

Back to Granny

Money Penny0 “The cabinet met at Lamar CHS to discuss a possible facilities

change for the next school year. While there, we were going to be debriefed on the outcome of the first day of the CSIscience Academy. I saw John and Jesse walking into the cafeteria the same time as I did. We received the information from the debriefing and then began a walk through the building to discuss the possible changes. We ended up in the gym where we viewed Phiesty the prairie dog. We all left the gym together and returned to our cars. On the way back to the cafeteria, Honey stopped off in the restroom. I passed another restroom and decided to go before leaving for my spinning class. The reason I have white powder on my clothes is because I just finished a creation this morning made out of plaster of Paris.”

Back to Money

Money Penny

Alibi: I walked out with everyone else. I was late to my

spinning class.

Evidence Collected: 0 Open Container of Plaster of Paris in vehicle0 Black Ink Pen Collected from suspects gym bag.0 Red Lipstick collected from gym bag0 Hair and Fiber Samples collected

Back to Money

Money Penny

Feelings about prairie dogs: They are really cute!

Shades of lipstick: Red Flame

Clothing: Spandex pants, lycra blend shirt

Back to Money