Dear Teachers,

Thank you for using the Dartmouth Rural STEM Educator Partnership Forensic Science Unit lesson plans and resources.

The Forensic Science Unit consists of seven lessons that can be taught in any order.

This Introduction to Forensic Science section is designed to launch the unit. The lesson consists of a slideshow and pre-unit/post-unit activity. It introduces the students to forensic science, and to the range of possible labs that can be carried out in the classroom to help students imagine what it is like to be a real forensic scientist.

The following lessons can be taught using basic supplies, available for purchase locally or online:

• Blood spatter
• Fiber Analysis (with classroom microscopes)
• Fingerprinting
• Ink Analysis

The remaining lessons require the purchase of a specific kit (details are provided in the lesson plans) from vendors online.

• Blood typing
• Gel electrophoresis/DNA
• Shoe print casting

The pre-unit activity entails students answering some introductory questions to see what they know before the unit begins. This activity should be completed before the teacher presents the slideshow. The activity is designed to be repeated at the end of the unit, using the same activity sheet, allowing students to visualize their own learning. This activity may be used to facilitate discussions in small groups or as a class.