Last Week, our Year 9 AMS class had an absolutely mind-blowing time at the forensic science incursion! The experience left us all on the edge of our seats as we delved into the world of forensic science to solve a thrilling murder mystery involving the victim Katheryn Bentley. The day was full of excitement as we gathered evidence and reviewed suspect and victim lists to determine who committed the crime.
We completed five experiments, including gel electrophoresis procedure, gunshot residue, ink chromatography procedure, unknown chemical analysis procedure, and fibre analysis. Each experiment was fascinating, allowing us to learn so much about forensic science, from how different chemicals react with water, heat, vinegar, and iodine, to how different ink appears on chromatography paper, and how forensic scientists identify the DNA of different suspects.
The final session was the best part of the day, where we received the dossiers of the suspects and the victim, and our group decided who we thought committed the murder. Our group was absolutely ecstatic when we found out that we had identified Mr. Wilt Watts, aka Mr. Clark, as the suspect. It was such a fantastic feeling to have worked together and used our scientific knowledge to solve the mystery.
Overall, the forensic science incursion was an amazing experience that helped educate us in a fun way and made us use our science knowledge and understanding, as well as the use of forensic science to solve a mystery murder. It was thrilling to experiment with the electrophoresis unit, the ink chromatography, the hot plate, and even just the microscopes, and to see what the fibre of different materials looked like under them. We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to participate in such an incredible event and cannot wait to see what other exciting experiences await us in the future!
Summer Xia, Tahani Sarwar and George Markopoulos | Year 9
