The Case for Forensic Toxicology

Understanding natural and human-induced hazards is an important part of the standards-based science curriculum. Experience, however, indicates that the topic is a difficult one for many students. We have developed an exciting investigative laboratory exercise that uses simulated food-based case studies to promote critical thinking and improve students' understanding of science and technology. While other authors have reported laboratory exercises to detect the presence of sugar, starch, protein, and fat in known and unknown food and beverage samples, these rely on traditional reagents that may be difficult to use or may be toxic (See Lawson 1994; Hummer et al. 1979). It was our idea to create an activity that is fun, quick to prepare, and promotes content mastery and critical thinking using readily available resources. Case studies are used to extend these non-toxic forensic tests to real-life diet and nutrition applications.