Working with a mystery in Cottonwood

Photo by Paul Robeson, Reporter

SNIFFING AROUND - Fourth grade student Sydney Stinger, right, sniffs a bag as Rob Stinger, left, Zach Stringer, 6th grade, and mom Ronica watch her reactions at the “CSI North Cottonwood” science night Tues., March 13.

Photo by Paul Robeson, Reporter

COMPARISON - Katie Basinger’s hand compares the pH to a chart for “acid, neutral, or base” after testing the cups of cola at “CSI North Cottonwood.”

Photo by Paul Robeson, Reporter

CRIME SCENE CLUES - A body outline, cola cans and footprints were among the clues at the “CSI North Cottonwood” science night.

The area was roped off with the yellow and black “Caution” tape and the outline of a body was on the floor of the North Cottonwood gym. Footprints were near the outline as well as cans of soft drinks, plastic drinking glasses and an ice cube tray.

They were all clues to the mystery to be solved by students during “CSI North Cottonwood” night. The special science night was held March 13 at North Cottonwood School for fourth and fifth grade students and their parents.

The idea for the night came from fourth grade teacher Linda Shumate and fifth grade teacher Susan Boilon after they attended Project Arise for Science Teachers in Rural Areas. The GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) program “Crime Lab Chemistry: Solving Mysteries” was developed after the popular shows on television.

In the “Felix Mystery Scenario,” student-detectives explore the concepts of solubility, pigments, and separation of mixtures as they use such data as: The “Brown Stain,” using chromatography paper; the “Cola Test,” to look at pH; matching “Fingerprints on Plastic;” “Smells,” to determine which cologne matches the smell on the towel; “White Threads,” to see if they were wool or cotton by a burn test; “DNA Testing,” to match DNA on the cell of hairs on the comb; a “Powder Study,” with iodine to see if was blood, baking soda or perhaps a shoe.

There was another pH study with water to determine if it was tap or ice water; a “Secret Note” pressed into cardboard; and a “Tape Lift” to find what was on the suspects’ clothes.

The multiple opportunities for students to visualize the molecular nature and behavior of matter, as they considered the advantages, and the limitations, of science models.

Ink is one of many substances chromatography uses along with the separation of blood. Forensic science and the students’ fascination with detective work made good discussions with parents.

Data sheets, the scenario, suspect statements, and answer sheets were provided by Shumate as each student and adult entered the room. Tables were set up and manned by teachers: Dave Kennant, Susan Boilon Donna Mallory, Robyne Hartman, Marilyn Marshall, Carol Johnson and Carri Longnecker.

Who solved the mystery? Ask one of the fourth or fifth grade students from North Cottonwood School.