Overview
Attention to detail is an essential skill across forensic disciplines. Can you spot the differences between the original and altered images below? How many differences can you find?
Game Instructions
How to Play (Online):
For optimal viewing, we recommend playing the game on a computer or tablet with a large screen. You can either play on the website or download the pdf to view on your device.
- Open two duplicate tabs on your browser to view the two laboratory illustrations side-by-side (on the webpage or in your pdf viewer). Zoom in to view the smallest details and zoom out to review the entire image.
- Carefully observe and compare the details in both images and mark where there are differences on the altered version. You can do this by taking a screenshot of the image, downloading a copy, and using your software of choice to annotate it.
- Keep going until you believe you have found all the differences (hint: there are an odd number of differences).
- To check your answers, click the drop-down bar below to reveal the visual answer key and numbered list of all the differences.
How to Play (On Paper):
Before you begin, determine whether you have access to a printer capable of printing in color and/or grayscale. We have provided a printable version of the activity in color as well as in grayscale for your convenience.
- Download and print the pdf of the activity. Note: Do not print or view the answer key until you are ready to review your answers!
- Carefully observe and compare the details in both images and mark where there are differences on the altered version with circles, arrows, or any other annotation you would like.
- Keep going until you believe you have found all the differences (hint: there are an odd number of differences, and the total number of differences in the grayscale version is different than the color version).
- To check your answers, download and print the visual answer key and numbered list of all the differences and compare to what you found.
Original Version
Can you spot the differences?
Click Here to Reveal the Colorful Answer Key!
Compared to the Original Image, the Altered Version has the following differences:
1. The amount of gray substance in the rightmost test tube on the main work bench has increased.
2. One of the pink capsules next to the scale on the main workbench is missing.
3. The bottom drawer of the filing cabinet on the far left is closed and there is no longer a file sticking out of the open drawer.
4. The pressure dial has changed on the Nitrogen tank pressure gauge.
5. The red and white squeeze-top solvent bottle next to the GC/MS has rotated so that the label is facing the left side and the spout is pointing left.
6. The orange chalk has moved towards the right of the ledge.
7. The lead bullet (gray) on the microscope stage has changed to a brass bullet (yellow).
8. The checklist posted next to window has a red X on the middle item instead of a green checkmark.
9. The fourth GC vial on the right of the GC vials on desktop is missing.
10. Flammable warning label has moved from the rightmost to the leftmost amber organic solvent container.
11. The molecule model on the windowsill has an extra bond with a yellow element on the left hexane ring.
12. The back of the desk chair is slightly reclined.
13. The green-tinted building in the window is taller.
14. The right fingerprint impression on the laptop has changed from a right loop to a left loop.
15. The door handle of the miniature refrigerator under the desk has switched sides.
16. The small brown bottle on the top shelf of the desk has moved towards the left edge.
17. The red-capped multi-tip pipettor has swapped places with the blue-capped single pipettor in the pipette stand on the workbench.
18. The structure on the chalkboard is missing one double bond on the outside of the bottom ring.
19. The DNA molecule on chalkboard is missing a base in one of the central base pairs (half line).
20. The case files in the brown box under the desk are leaning to the left.
21. One of the orange clips holding the papers to the workbench in the foreground has changed color to lavender.
Click Here to Reveal the Grayscale Answer Key!
Compared to the Original Image, the Altered Version has the following differences:
1. The amount of substance in the rightmost test tube on the main work bench has increased.
2. One of the capsules on the workbench next to the scale is missing.
3. The bottom drawer of the filing cabinet on the far left is closed and there is no longer a file sticking out of the open drawer.
4. The pressure dial has changed on the Nitrogen tank pressure gauge.
5. The leftmost squeeze top solvent bottle next to the GC/MS has rotated so that the label is facing the left side and the spout is pointing left.
6. The rightmost chalk has moved towards the right of the ledge.
7. The checklist posted next to window has an X on the middle item instead of a checkmark.
8. The fourth GC vial on the right of the GC vials on desktop is missing.
9. Flammable warning label has moved from the rightmost to the leftmost organic solvent container.
10. The molecule model on the windowsill has an extra bond and element on the left hexane ring.
11. The back of the desk chair is slightly reclined.
12. The central building in the window is taller.
13. The right fingerprint impression on the laptop has changed from a right loop to a left loop.
14. The door handle of the miniature refrigerator under the desk has switched sides.
15. The small dark bottle on the top shelf of the desk has moved towards the left edge.
16. The multi-tip pipettor has swapped places with the single pipettor in the pipette stand on the workbench.
17. The structure on the chalkboard is missing one double bond on the outside of the bottom ring.
18. The DNA molecule on chalkboard is missing a base in one of the central base pairs (half line).
19. The case files in the box under the desk are leaning to the left.
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Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence event has been provided by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
Contact us at ForensicCOE@rti.org with any questions and subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.
