TU Forensics camp is booming

TIFFIN – Students from Tiffin University's Forensic Science Academy Camp witnessed an "explosive" experiment at the Bloomville Quarry (4575 Twp. Road 0181) Wednesday afternoon. The experiment was conducted to give students the unique opportunity to investigate an explosion site under safe conditions. By demonstrating the power of conventional and unconventional explosives, students of the forensics camp learned about the chemical reactions that occur during an explosion and the physical reactions around the blast zone. For the experiment, numerous different tests were set up by the Ashland County Bomb Squad before being screened for safety issues by FBI and ATF agents. Starting with smaller explosions and working their way up to a "Movie" explosion, campers witnessed a variety of devices being used and their aftermath. Some examples include "Tide Bombs," Dynamite, TNT, Semtex and C4. An unconventional explosive is composed of more common/accessible materials, such as an Improvised Explosive Device, or IED, whereas, a conventional explosive would be something that is professionally handled and manufactured, like C4. Conventional explosives typically also contain a taggant, which acts similarly to a label to identify explosives more easily. To conclude the experiment, a camper donated to the university was lined with two pounds of Ammonium Nitrate, according to Dr. John Schupp, TU chemistry professor. Ammonium Nitrate is extremely explosive because it contains the same molecule found in both fuel (in the form of the ammonium ion) and strong oxygen-producing agent (nitrate). After witnessing several explosions, students headed back to TU's campus to investigate pieces of debris from the blast site. "This experiment would not be possible if not for the help of all parties involved," said Schupp. "Thank you to Heidelberg Materials, the FBI and ATF agents, the Ashland County Bomb Squad, and the (students) as well." For more information about Tiffin University's summer camps, visit www.tiffin.edu/admissions/camps/. Editor's note: Under federal explosives law, it is illegal to manufacture, store, distribute, receive, or transport explosive materials without a federal explosives license or permit (FEL/FEP).