Name:
Call Sign:
STARBASE Challenge: STARBASE CSI - Using Characteristic Properties
This challenge is all about characteristic properties. You will use the activity below and the materials provided to
learn more about how we can use the properties of materials to identify them. During this activity, you will
compare the properties of several different objects found nearby to a sample found at a crime scene to figure
out which object was used to clog the classroom sink. You will need to bring back the materials and the
completed questions to receive a bead. You can earn an extra bead by bringing in a picture or recording a video
of you doing this activity and/or by having a family member sign your challenge!
Your STARBASE Kit should
include:




Florist wire
Plastic lacing
String
Paper
At home you will need:



Water
Cup
Magnet (the kind on your fridge)
As a STARBASE Crime Scene Investigator, it is your job to collect data about each of the samples and compare it to
the evidence from the crime scene to see which material was used to cause the flood! Complete each test and
write your observations in the data table. Then use the data one of your teammates has already collected from
the evidence sample to solve the crime!
1. Observe each material and write down as many details as you can in the data table. Think about things like
color, size, texture, etc.
2. Test the flexibility of each object by trying to fold it in half. Does it return to its original shape or stay
folded? Record your observations in the data table.
3. Spread out the materials on a table.
4. Put a magnet on top of each material and try to lift them. You should be able to pick up anything that is
magnetic. Record your observations in the data table.
5. Fill a cup about ¾ full of water. Drop each material into the water carefully to determine whether it is
more dense (sinks) or less dense (floats) than water. Record your observations in the data table.
6. Remove the materials from the water and observe whether or not the object was waterproof. Waterproof
objects are hydrophobic and will have drops of water on their surface. Non-waterproof or hydrophilic
materials will absorb water. Record your observations in the data table.
7. Dry your objects with a paper towel and clean up your experiment.
8. Use the data you collected to answer the questions and solve the crime!
Name:
Call Sign:
Characteristic Properties of Crime Scene Evidence
Material
Initial
Observations
Flexibility
Magnetism
Density
Waterproof
Green, shiny,
smooth
Can be bent
but returns to
original shape
Nonmagnetic
More dense
than water,
sinks
Waterproof or
hydrophobic
Florist wire
Plastic lacing
String
Paper
Evidence
from the sink
Questions
1. The evidence from the sink is a piece of
material because
2. Would changing the size of the material you tested change the results?
Why or why not?
3. We performed five different tests for this investigation to find some characteristic properties. If you
could perform any test you wanted, what else would you want to learn about each material? (Think
about other characteristic properties or look in your book for ideas!)
Family Member Name:
Family Member Signature: