Case of the Missing Diamond Maker

Grades 5-8: Students will use fingerprinting, chromatography, and chemistry to gather and analyze evidence left behind at a crime scene and determine the criminal’s identity.

Plastic evidence bags used for fiber analysis in the lab

FORENSICS & PHYSICAL SCIENCES (Grades 5-8)

Students will learn about some of the techniques of forensic science. They will use fingerprinting, chromatography, and chemistry to gather and analyze evidence left behind at a crime scene. And then, they will exercise deductive reasoning to evaluate the evidence and determine the criminal’s identity. 

KIT DETAILS

A fun forensics kit for Elementary and Middle School grades! A machine that turns coal into diamonds in less than an hour has been stolen from the lab of Dr. Suzy Squeeze. There are five suspects: Dr. Edwin Evil, Randy Ragman, Sandra, Maria, and Malcolm.

Students will analyze and test six pieces of evidence found at the crime scene. This includes fingerprints found on glass, chromatography on a note from the thief, spilled liquid and powders, a strong smell found in the lab, and some fibers recovered in the area.

This kit includes:

Fingerprints Part 1

  • 12 Magnifying glasses
  • 12 Laminated fingerprinting types handouts
  • 12 Fingerprinting Pads
  • Orange fingerprinting powder and brush
  • Black fingerprinting powder and 4 brushes
  • Fingerprinting tape
  • Blue light
  • Latex gloves
  • Yellow forensics tape
  • Yellow forensics evidence numbers

Station 1: Fingerprints

  • 4 Laminated copies of Suspect’s fingerprints handout
  • 4 Laminated copies of Evidence fingerprints handout
  • 1 Station sign

Station 2: Chromatography

  • 5 Plastic beakers
  • 6+1 Wooden dowels
  • 6+1 Binder clips
  • 4 Black pens
  • 4 Prepared evidence strips for chromatography
  • Filter paper
  • 1 Station sign

Station 3: Fiber Analysis

  • 6 different fabrics and fabric evidence
  • 4 Evidence 1 baggies
  • 4 Evidence 2 baggies
  • 1 Station sign

Station 4: Smells

  • Strips of filter paper with 4 different perfumes
  • 5 Labeled plastic canisters
  • 1 Station sign

Station 5: Spilled Liquid

  • pH paper
  • 1 Station sign

Station 6: Spilled Powder

  • 3 Containers with white powders: baking powder, baking soda, powdered sugar
  • 6 Laminated sheets with instructions and places for powders
  • 2 dropper bottles: water, vinegar
  • 3 scoops
  • 1 Station sign

Other

  • Laminated card with suspects’ information
  • Booklet with lab manual and packing list for each station
  • CD with PowerPoint

Teachers must supply:

  • Glassware
  • Trays
  • Rulers
  • Trash beaker
  • Scotch™ tape
  • Stopwatches
  • 4 plastic cups or beakers
  • Paper towels

DOWNLOADS

Case of the Missing Diamond Maker Teacher Edition

Case of the Missing Diamond Maker Student Edition

Case of the Missing Diamond Maker PowerPoint

Packing List per station

Police Report

Spilled Powders Station (Laminate)

HOW TO RESERVE

To request this kit, please complete our reservation form. This form includes details on equipment shipping, reservation logistics, and required training.