05. Analytical (Forensics)

This event is limited to the first 18 entries.

2024 Event Descriptions

Coordinator: Prof. David Fisher

Important: All documents and files for your experiment must be submitted by April 17th 2024!

 

Objective: To determine if a check was forged using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to analyze the ink on a check.

Background: While TLC has many applications, it is a particularly useful analytical technique in crime labs to help forensic chemists determine if two pieces of text were written with the same ink, which can often indicate fraud.

Materials provided by NJIT on the day of the event:

Genuine and forged checks

Known Pen samples

Solvent waste containers

TLC solvents

Teams are required to bring materials:

TLC plates

TLC chambers

Rulers       

INSTRUCTORS NOTES ON SPECIAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

At all times, the instructor or coach should be in charge of the laboratory.

·       Review all procedures for safety concerns.

·       Only if the judges approve the procedure in accordance with safety protocols will teams be able to conduct the experiment.

·       Safety protocol must be addressed in the team procedure submitted for evaluation prior to the event.

·       Teams must practice their procedures prior to the event. Judges reserve the right to dismiss unprepared teams on the day of the event.

 

Required activity prior to the event:

  • Research, design, and execute a procedure for extracting ink from a paper check.
  • Develop a method for analyzing inks using thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
  • Test the chosen procedure and submit the results of tests done with three different inks of the same color.  Include the Rf values of different ink components.
  • Submit a step-by-step description of the methods used for this event and the safety protocol to the Director of the NJCO by the deadline indicated.

 

On the day of the event:

  • Follow the team’s suggested lab procedure to determine if a check is genuine or a forgery.
  • Make sure the correct forensic methods are utilized, including chain-of-custody.
  • Write a lab report as to your findings to submit to a court of law.
  • Clean up and dispose of all chemicals and waste in appropriate waste containers.

Time Limit: 60 minutes

Judging:

  • Description of methods (20%)
  • Safety Protocols (5%)
  • Lab Report (50%)
  • Correct Answer (25%)