Forensics?

[dudeincolorado]

So how it this diffrent from science crimebusters any advice or tips?

[gneissisnice]

As far as I know, its a lot more in depth. I think they ask several more powders and stuff, in addition to using flame tests for fibers and plastics. I think you need to know some stuff on forensic entomology (bugs) and stuff like that. Again, im not 100% sure, but its a start.

[genes_girl]

Yeah, forensics goes a lot more in depth. While I haven't done Crimebusters in a while, I have done forensics for the past 3ish years. Beyond the 15 powders ( no mixtures, thank goodness), you have to know a list of fibers and polymers, chromotography, hair ( dog, cat, human), blood ( ABO, avian, and a couple of others, as well as spatter and velocity stuff), DNA, fingerprints, footprints, tire marks, uses for the powders and polymers, bugs, glass refraction, and I know I probably missed some things. Don't forget the huge write up at the end including all your information and who did/did not do it.

Man I'll miss this event! It's fun but a lot of work. If they don't change the rules you are allowed 1 sheet of handwritten notes.

Good Luck!

If anyone has other questions I will be glad to help as well.

[dudeincolorado]

hmmm i know most of that cept blood, bugs, and glass refraction are the powders the same? crimbuster powders were like flour, cornstarch, salt, and other household stuff.

[genes_girl]

Some, but not all. Let's see if I can remember them:
NaCl
LiCl
KCl
Glucose
Sucrose
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate
Calcium Carbonate
Sodium Acetate
Calcium Nitrate
Ammonium Chloride
Boric Acid
Cornstarch

And with the help of a rulebook, the final 2 are Calcium Sulfate and Magnesium Sulfate.

Those are these are the powders. I don't think the have changed in at least 2 years, so hopefully they won't change this year.

[dudeincolorado]

hmm i know a couple... you can tell sucrose and glucose apart from wwhat color they change in benidicts right?

[genes_girl]

Benedict's and heat

[dudeincolorado]

oh ok i guess i have to learn bout the others i love memorizing things

[genes_girl]

Yeah, have fun with that, there is a lot to know. Hopefully though you will be allowed a reference sheet, it makes life SOOO much easier.

[gneissisnice]

Let's see what i remember about forensic entomology..... Bugs can be used to determine:
1) if the body was moved (like if there are insects on it that wouldnt normally occur in the environment where the body was found, indicated the person was killed elsewhere and moved).
2)Time of death, based on the number of maggot generations.
and i forget the third one.
I never actually did the event, but i took a class on forensics. I hope this helps!