Extending the Use of Spectroscopy in a Suitcase > Project Outputs > SIAS Activity - Olympic Drug Scandal (IR)

Project Outputs > SIAS Activity - Olympic Drug Scandal (IR)

Please note: the below activities have been designed to fit with the current Spectroscopy in a Suitcase (SIAS) resources available from the Royal Society of Chemistry here

The Olympic Drug Scandal (infrared)

Drug molecules

The Olympic Drug Scandal – IR resource has been developed to be used with the Spectroscopy in a Suitcase programme, run by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). The activity gives the opportunity for students to explore the context of drugs in sport by determining the active ingredient of a variety of “unknown” pills using infrared spectroscopy. The resource includes a background story, detailed instructions and student worksheets. There is a teacher version available which includes answers and further instructions - these resources can be downloaded below.

There is also a UV/Vis activity to extend the activity. This activity is recommended for A-level students with some knowledge of infrared spectroscopy. Access to an infrared spectrometer is needed.

Olympic Drug Scandal (IR) - Student Worksheet

Olympic Drug Scandal (IR) - Teacher Resources

Student Feedback

School students were asked to compare these new IR activities with previous ones, and their responses were overwhelmingly positive:

The new activity was more relevant and interesting.

The new activity was a good idea - it was relevant to lessons and the world.

I enjoyed the new activity more.

In addition, a PhD student delivering the activity said:

Several students that were a little unresponsive to the first activity (analysing a series of unknown compounds) became more involved due to the content of this new activity, in particular the references to sport and to illegal substances.

Staff involved

Dr Gan Shermer
Project lead, University of Bath

Emily M MacCready
Project coordinator, University of Bath

Lynne Thomas
University of Bath