CASE ANALYSIS SHEET
1. Recognize potential issues and major topics in the case What is this case about?
Underline and list terms or phrases that seem to be important.
Then, list 3-4 biology-related topics or issues in the case.
Peru Are the textiles real? How can we prove this? Smuggling Forensic science
Importance of these textiles to Peruvian society
Public appreciation of other cultures
2. What specific questions do you have about these topics? By yourself, or better yet in a group, list what you already know about this case in the “What Do I Know?” column. List questions you would like to learn more about in the “What Do I Need to Know?” column.
What Do I Know?
/What Do I Need to Know?
· The immigration department has a battery of tests to see if the textiles are real or replica· Peru is where Machu Picchu is and relates to the seeds and fiber and where from
· Textiles are colorful and must have many pigments
· Natural fibers and synthetic fibers are different
· What species of natural fiber, the source
· There are ethical, legal issues of importing
· Textiles are from South America
· Textiles are made of different types of fibers, with different colors
· If it an animal fiber, it is probably alpaca.
· Likely to be animal fiber / · Are the textiles real?
· How can we prove this?
· What are the legalities of importing Peruvian textiles?
· From which part of S. America do the textiles come?
· How much was the guy paid off?
· What would carbon dating tests show on these fibers?
· What is the species of seed? Food offering?
· Can we get expert help? Someone familiar with Peruvian and able to recognize by feel and touch?
· What is the monetary value of the textiles?
· What pigments were used in the “real” textiles and how do they age?
· Is mummification process same as for Egyptians and Mayans?
· What is the battery of tests? Reliability of tests?
· Do the simple, cheapest, test first?
· What is the record of this batch of fibers from factory, shipper?
· What is Singapore’s response as a country, how detailed do the tests need to be to be appropriate?
3. Put a check mark by 1-3 questions or issues in the “What do I need to know?” list that you think are most important to explore.
4. What kinds of references or resources will help you answer or explore these questions? Identify two different resources and explain what information each resource is likely to give that will help you answer the question(s). Choose specific resources or types of resources.
Textile swatches as samples
Forensic test: trace analysis, fiber examination, dye analysis with HPLC and diode array detection, microscopic examination of the weave of the textile,
Specific gravity of fiber to see if natural or synthetic
Decomposition/microbial flora
microscope
Field trip to local museum and speak with curator with how they verify authenticity of textiles before they do their investigations, Field trip to Peru J
Internet: museum and other sources on Peruvian textiles
Potential Products
· Reports
· Posters
· Museum exhibit
· Collection of videos
· Test questions
· Lab reports
· Pamphlets for consumers
· Small or large term papers/writing assignments on their questions
Potential Learning Activities
· Lecture
· Concept mapping to link to prior knowledge
· Lab with chemical analyses
· Microscopy lab
Waterman, M. A. and Stanley, E. D. 2004. ICBL Case Analysis Worksheet. NIE Workshops 2011