Drug Tests
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Patrol officers pulled over Mr. Yuri Orlow for reckless driving last night at 8:50 p.m. A preliminary Breathalyzer test showed that Mr. Orlow was intoxicated. Mr. Orlow consented to a search of the vehicle, in which the officers found traces of a white powder that seemed to have leaked across the leather of the passenger seat. The officers think that Mr. Orlow might have thrown a bag of the unknown substance out the open passenger-side window before pulling over. A search of the snowy road has revealed nothing. The powder has been sent to the lab for testing.
Objectives
- Identify an unknown powder using physical and chemical properties.
- Distinguish between physical and chemical properties.
- Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative observation.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.