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NYS STEM SUMMER INSTITUTE 2014 WORKSHOP 2C Jerry Fong & Wayne Bensley Physical and Life Sciences Department Alfred State College AuCl 3 :cocaine Micro-crystals

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The basic idea is appealingly simple + Specific reagent Material being tested for identity Confirmatory microcrystalline habit (50X)

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The basic technique is both easy (but requires practice) and cheap 1. 2.

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Wait patiently .(longer is better!) 3. Reaction zone

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3. 4. Examine the reaction zone with a microscope Look for expected, micro-crystalline habits. Bingo !

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5. Use a smart phone camera to record/document the microcrystalline habits image

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.running and pondering the results of microcrystalline tests as part of a chemical or forensic analysis immerses students in the sort critical thinking that lies at the core of all science, which is to make prudent judgments on what is being observed (or not observed) as the result of ones own application of a technique. What is the pedagogical value of doing this ?

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The hand is the cutting edge of the mind. J. Bronowski from The Ascent of Man More succinctly:

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An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. For the rest of the hour: attempt to determine/confirm your unknowns identity using the microcrystalline test-based flow scheme & tests provided.

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