Typical Blood Typing Lab simulations cost around $40 for materials. This lab costs less than $5 and is incredibly easy to set up. The only things to purchase are milk, vinegar, red food coloring, and toothpicks.
The lab instructions mention using cups to mix the substances, but I use washable well plates because that's what I have on hand in my classroom. Students rotate through 6 stations testing three suspects' blood, the victim's blood, and two samples from the crime scene.
The scenario is silly enough that students are engaged but not upset about the crime committed, and the suspects have silly nicknames as well. Find out if Barbie Doll Jones or Slim Jim Snoot is the criminal!
This also pairs well with the Nobel Prize Blood typing online lab.
Students then have a hands on lab and an effective computer simulation to learn from. Together with a short lecture or text reading, and the topic of blood types is successfully taught to most students.
I use these every year in combination and my students are engaged and walk away with a better understanding of the blood typing system.
Both Activities above are free online - but if you have interest in seeing the resources available in my TPT store, click on the link to see what free and paid activities I have created.
Dorky Science Joke to send you on your way - "What's the best blood type for teachers? A+ !"
