For these lessons, our SEPA mentors, along with our partners at the Montshire Museum, worked with middle school teachers to develop materials and lessons that would enable students to learn various techniques in forensic science.
Introductory information for teachers:
The following labs can be taught using basic supplies, available for purchase locally or online:
Blood Spatter
Big Question: How can we use simulated blood spatter to determine what happened at the scene of a violent crime?
Fiber Analysis
Big Question: How are fiber materials different from one another? What is the benefit of some fibers over others? Why do we use different fiber materials?
Fingerprinting
Big Question: How can we classify fingerprints and use them to identify a suspect?
Ink Analysis
Big Question: How can we analyze the components of ink as evidence to determine which pen was used to write a note found at a crime scene?
The following labs each require the purchase of a specific kit.
These are available online, as indicated in their respective lesson plans:
Blood Typing
Big Questions: How can we determine the blood type of a sample of blood found at a crime scene? What is the chemistry that underlies this process?
- Lesson Plan
- Slideshow
- Student Procedure (see kit instructions)
- Exit Ticket
Gel Electrophoresis/DNA
Big Question: How do we analyze DNA fragments by size to identify an unknown person?
Shoeprint Casting
Big Question: How do scientists analyze and use shoeprints to assist in solving a crime?