Forensic Science Day 2011

A savage attack had taken place in the Monmouth School Science department garden.  A horse had been stabbed and its owner attacked.  Tyre prints, teeth marks, fingerprints, blood splatters and damaged paint were just a few pieces of evidence which the fourth form forensic scientists encountered as they carefully examined the crime scene.  Brimming with enthusiasm and newly acquired forensic knowledge the Fourth form pupils worked in SOCUs (Scene of Crime Units) and were given the task of solving this crime.  They spent the day carrying out advanced scientific procedures in order to retrieve and analyse evidence from the crime scene.

The teams examined the crime scene and donned protective gowns and shoes in order to retrieve evidence without contaminating it with their own DNA.  Students used gel electrophoresis, to create a DNA “fingerprint” using blood found at the scene of crime and compared it to that of the suspects.  Protein electrophoresis was also used to analyse protein from the knife. Blood groups were identified and blood splatter patterns were analysed.   Fingerprints were lifted using aluminium powder, gel lifters and cyanoacrylate vapour (“Super glue”).  Dental and footprint casts were made. Pollen and hair samples were viewed under the microscope and ink types were investigated using chromatography.

After a day of elimination and incrimination using these sophisticated analytical skills, the SOCU teams created a presentation that outlined their evidence and pinpointed who they had determined to be the perpetrator of the crime.  The students worked well together, and embraced the opportunities to try out some Advanced level practical skills whilst  learning about the application of science in the wider world.  The forensic science day is part of the Monmouth Science Initiative whose aim is to encourage pupils to view science as exciting and relevant to daily life. For additional information please visit the MSI website at www.monmouth-science.co.uk