Chemical analysis – forensic chemistry problem solving

This engaging problem-solving worksheet combines Agatha Christie-inspired forensic scenarios with practical chemical analysis techniques to captivate your GCSE chemistry students.

What's included

• A fully worked case study worksheet featuring four forensic chemistry problems that test students' understanding of chemical tests, ion identification, and analytical thinking
• Complete answer key with detailed explanations of chemical reactions and expected observations for easy marking
• Creative context linking to popular fiction (Agatha Christie) to engage students and demonstrate real-world applications of chemistry

The worksheet is available as a free PDF download, with an editable version available for subscribers.

How to use this resource

This resource works brilliantly as a revision activity for GCSE chemistry students who have completed the chemical analysis topic. Use it as a challenging classroom activity where students work in pairs as 'forensic scientists', or set it as homework to consolidate learning. The narrative format encourages students to think like real chemists solving mysteries, helping them to recall and apply testing procedures for ions and compounds. The comprehensive answer key allows for effective self or peer assessment, making it ideal for both classroom and independent learning.

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