Ward's® Microbe Murder Mystery Kit

Assume the role of a microbiologist to investigate a mysterious drowning.

A city councilman is found facedown in his swimming pool and your students are being asked to examine the forensic evidence to determine if the drowning was accidental or if there was foul play involved. They will check for protists in the water sample from his lungs and then compare that to samples from three other nearby bodies of water. During the exercise, students will develop skills in microscopy, protist identification, record keeping, and the use of a dichotomous key. The kit comes with enough materials for eight setups, a teacher’s guide, and student copymaster. Compound microscopes, required, are available separately.
Note: Includes perishable materials, please specify delivery date.

Materials Included:
Set of six evidence samples
Euglena
Synedra
Micrasterias
Microscope slides
Coverslips
Pipets

Materials Needed But Not Provided
Compound microscopes

Time Requirement
Crime scene background; group roles and responsibilities: 30 minutes
Preparing wet mounts; making observations: 60 minutes
Completing evidence table and questions: 30 minutes
Preparing and presenting final report: 60 minutes