Activity Detail
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Forensics Case 7
Drug Tests: Identifying an unknown chemical
 


Activity Overview

In this activity, students distinguish between physical and chemical properties. They also understand the differences between qualitative and quantitative observations. They use quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify an unknown powder.

Before the Activity

  • Use TI Connect™ to download Vernier EasyData™ application
  • Connect the pH Sensor first and Conductivity probe latter to Vernier EasyLink™ interface
  • Plug EasyLink into the USB port of the calculator
  • Set up the calculator and the pH sensor first and Conductivity probe latter for data collection
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 62 - 66 from the attached PDF file for the class
  • Print sample data and student work pages

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:
    Appearance:
  • Carefully weigh 2 grams of each powder and the unknown sample and place it in five labeled beakers
  • Observe the physical characteristics of each powder with a magnifying glass and record the data


    • Solubility:
  • Prepare powder-and-water mixtures of the six samples and record solubility characteristics of the samples


    • pH of the Sample Solution:
  • Use the pH sensor to record the pH of each powder-water solution and record the pH of each solution


    • Conductivity:
  • Use the conductivity probe to measure conductive properties of each sample solution and record observations


    • Reaction with Vinegar:
  • React 2 grams of each powder with 20 ml of acidic vinegar and record observations


    • Unknown Sample:
  • Compare the physical and chemical properties of the unknown sample with the known samples and identify the unknown powder

    		After the Activity

    		Students analyze the results and answer the Case analysis questions on the Evidence Record sheet.

    Review student results:
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Science : Forensics : Data Analysis

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    9-12

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family

    Apps:
    EasyData™

    Software:
    TI Connect™

    Accessories:
    Sensor - Conductivity, TI Connectivity Cable, Unit-to-Unit link cables, Sensor - pH

    Other:
    This is Activity 7 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Forensics: Connecting Science Investigations with TI Data Collection Activities.

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Vernier EasyLink™
  • Vinegar
  • 5 known and 1 unknown "drug" samples of 4 g of each
  • Distilled or deionized water
  • Spoons and/or weighing paper
  • Filter paper
  • Six 50 mL beakers
  • Stirring rod
  • Disposable pipettes or droppers
  • Wash bottle with deionized water
  • Magnifying glass
  • Balance
  • Lint-free tissues
  • Goggles


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