National Standards for Grade Levels 10-14
 
Introduction to Toxicology simulates drug isolation in an authentic forensic screening. Using diatomaceous earth columns, students isolate drugs from simulated urine. They elute the drugs, run them on fluorescent and non-fluorescent chromatographic gels, and use chemical visualization techniques to identify specific drugs. The lab may be done in four standard lab periods or two three-hour lab periods and is easily separated into drug isolation and chromatography sections. Approximately fifty minutes is required for completing the thin layer chromatography and visualization process, which must be done all at one time. Includes forensic scenarios for capturing student interest. Required, not included: fume hood, water bath 65-70C, hair dryer, UV light (356 nm; black light, strong sunlight, plant lights, or a goggle cabinet), UV light short wave (254 nm), and ring stands. Designed for 24 students working in groups of four.