CSI Lab
The Case
The victim was found dead on October 7, 2011 at approximately 5:40AM. He was
discovered by his wife as she was leaving for her “regular morning run.” According to
her statement, the victim was up working late and she didn’t hear anything out of the
ordinary because she takes medication to help her sleep at night.
After the autopsy, the cause of death was determined to be strangulation. A necktie was
found at the scene that matches the shape of the marks on the victim’s neck. There were
dead skin cells and small amounts of blood found on the necktie matching the victim.
Forensic detectives collected evidence from the scene and discovered a small amount of
vomit on the floor next to the empty trash can. They gathered up the vomit and sent it
back to the lab to be tested.
This case is of extremely high importance. The victim is a high profile lawyer who was
set to defend a Politian accused of embezzlement. It is imperative that scientists
correctly analyze the contents of the vomit to determine to whom it belongs.
The Task
You and your team of forensic scientists have been assigned this case. Because of the
high profile of the victim, you must be extremely thorough in your investigation.
You will be expected to work with your team to test the vomit for the presence of four
different organic molecules: lipids, sugar, starch, and protein. Based on the data, you
will determine who the vomit belongs to. On the night of the crime, the suspects are
known to have consumed the following foods:
The Wife: Because she’s an extreme health nut, she only drank water.
The Butler: He snuck into the refrigerator and ate the leftover steak that was
served at the Politician’s annual cookout.
The Victim: He ate an entire pint of chocolate ice cream with hot fudge syrup for
dinner.
The Best Friend: He shared a hamburger with his wife at their mansion, which is
right next door to the victim’s house.
The Mistress: She was out late that night with “the girls” so she drank a lot of
pop and ate French fries.
Using the organic molecule tests you’ve practiced, test the vomit sample found at the
scene of the crime. Then, record your data in the tables provided.
After you have completed the lab, the police chief (AKA Mrs. Mirra ) will expect a
formal report of your findings. To ensure accuracy, she expects a report from every
single scientist. You will need to follow the guidelines provided on the next page. If you
fail to do so, you could let the criminal escape and you will be in big trouble with the
chief.
CSI Laboratory Report Directions
Format:
1. The report must be typed in 12 pt. font with black ink, 1” margins, and double
spaced.
2. It must contain a Title Page with the following information:
Title of the Lab
Your Name
Your Class Name & Period
Your Teacher’s Name
The Due Date
A picture or illustration is optional (If you use one, you must include a citation
for it on the Works Cited Page.)
3. The sections of the Lab Report must be labeled. The following sections must be
included.
Introduction
Materials & Procedure
Data
Analysis
Conclusion
4. It must contain a separate Works Cited page. Use MLA format to cite your sources.
You must cite the textbook and any websites (or other sources) that you use for
pictures or information.
Internal citations should be included within the introduction and conclusion
sections of this lab report.
Writing Technique & Style:
1. You will be graded on spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
2. Scientific writing is clear, concise, thorough, and accurate. Be direct and don’t
use any unnecessary filler words. You aren’t telling a story. You are simply presenting
the facts!
CSI Laboratory Prewriting Sheets
Use the following pages to write your rough draft. Feel free to use lined paper if you
need more space.
Introduction: (includes 2 parts)
1. Background Information: Give a basic introduction to what organic molecules are.
Give detailed information about proteins, lipids, & carbohydrates (both
monosaccharides & starches). Include: Information about the chemical structures,
functions, and common sources of each type of molecule. You should assume that the
reader knows nothing about organic molecules.
2. Purpose & Hypothesis: Explain the purpose of conducting this lab and state
your hypothesis regarding the presence or absence of each type of organic
molecule in the vomit sample.
Introduction cont’d:
Hypothesis:
Use this chart to help you make your hypothesis. For each suspect, put an “X” for each
organic molecule that you think would be present in their vomit.
Suspect Lipid? Protein? Simple Sugar? Starch?
(Carbohydrate) (Carbohydrate)
Wife (Water)
Butler (Steak)
Victim (Ice Cream &
Chocolate Syrup)
Best Friend (Hamburger)
Mistress (Pop & French
Fries)
