Luminescent Luminol Crime Scene Investigation

This is the experiment that makes you a forensic investigator. Spray a specially formulated luminol solution onto a darkened piece of paper and watch hidden rust patterns, your planted "evidence," erupt into vivid blue-white light. The same chemistry used by crime scene investigators to detect invisible blood traces, now in your hands. The glow is real, the science is authentic, and the wow factor is off the charts. Students learn why iron acts as a catalyst, how chemical energy converts directly into visible light, and why forensic labs can detect blood that's been cleaned up for months. Perfect for dark rooms, perfect for photos, and utterly unforgettable.

What's Included
Luminol solution with sodium carbonate 15mL
Sodium perborate 0.1g
Rust catalyst solution 15mL
Black construction paper × 2 sheets
Spray bottle
Dropper bottle
Nitrile gloves × 2 pairs
Safety goggles × 2 pairs
Full-color printed worksheet

Curriculum ConnectionsNGSS HS-PS1-2 — Chemical reactions and evidence
NGSS HS-PS3-2 — Energy stored in chemical fields
AP Chemistry Unit 4 — Redox and catalysis
IB Chemistry Topics 8 & 9
CTE Forensic Science — Crime Scene Investigation pathway

Waste Disposal