Forensic Science Students' Arson Debris Analysis Activity

In their continuing examination of a simulated crime scene, the students in the Forensic Science used a simple colorimeter test to determine whether or not an accelerant was the source of the fire damage in the car wreck which was found outside of the small Appalachian community.

Materials to test if the accelerant is diesel fuel. There is the Standard Sample, which contains a piece of car carpet that has been exposed to diesel fuel, the piece of carpeting taken from the car wreck, the diesel colorimeter in a sealed vial, clay and a washer to open the colorimeter vial.

Materials to test if the accelerant is gasoline. There is the Standard Sample, which contains a piece of car carpet that has been exposed to gasoline, the piece of carpeting taken from the car wreck, the gasoline colorimeter in a sealed vial, clay and a washer to open the colorimeter vial.

The colorimeter vial is inserted into the chamber containing the Standard and the chamber containing the evidence. Both are gently heated to release the volatile accelerant from the carpet samples. The volatile gas' only exit from the chamber is through the colorimeter vial which is tightly sealed using "clay".

While waiting for the volatile accelerant to vaporize, Kailey exhibits her sculpting skills using her groups excess clay sealant.

Kailey's dapper penguin points to the positive color (green) change beginning in the bottom of the gasoline colorimeter. This indicates the presence of gasoline in their carpet sample. As the green color moves up onto the scale in the tube, they will be able to esitmate the gasoline concentration in ppm (parts per million)

Mouse, elephant, pig, turtle and dapper penguin sculptures created by Kailey.

Kailey's clay menagerie.