Microbe Murder Mystery

(Ward lab kit)

Analysis

Forensic Evidence Report

Group:

* you will need a separate report for each sample!

Sample:   A       B         C       D        Victim         Victim's Bone marrow Extract

Analysis:

1. Why wouldn't diatoms be the only microbe type not digested by acid processing of bone marrow samples? Hint: think of the "frustules".

2.  Why were there no living microbes found in the swimming pool?

3.  If Duck Pond's source of water is a small tributary of the White River, how could the 2 sites differ in their type and number of microbes?

4.  Do you think a single sample  taken from a single location along the shore is         sufficient to determine all the microbe types  that may be present?

5.  Could the victim have died from internal injuries prior to  being placed in the water?Why/Why not?

6. Is it possible that the victim drowned at the either the river or reservoir? Explain.

7.  Can you identify the guilty party with this evidence? Explain.

8.  List other forms of evidence that would be helpful in this investigation.

9.  Of the organisms you identified, which ones do you believe would most likely be found in the topmost levels of the bodies of water sampled?

10.  What was the most challenging part of this investigation?