FORENSICS TEACHING TEAM
The forensics team was created to meet the growing interest in forensic sciences, reflected in the popularity of the CSI shows. Our intent is to present science in real life scenarios providing students with a connection between the lab and their world. The forensics team has the following goals:
- Have students use the scientific method and critical thinking skills to answer real-life questions.
- Introduce students to basic scientific techniques not normally available in their schools.
- Support learning of concepts of chemistry, physics, genetics, anatomy, and other branches of science through laboratory experiences.
- Encourage students to think of science as a possible career choice.
Our modules are designed to be used together to allow teams of students to collect and analyze evidence in an attempt to solve a crime. Techniques are similar to those used by real forensic scientists. Modules can be adapted to fit class periods of varying amounts of time, from 30 min to multiple sessions. Students work in groups of 2-5 and perform multiple tests during the session. The class then pools results to develop a conclusion.
forensics report and intro.doc
forensics evaluation form.doc
Fingerprinting and Hair analysis
Students take their own fingerprints and use magnifiers to identify specific characteristics. Students may also use a microscope to look at differences between hairs and fibers. Students then apply the same techniques to evidence from the crime scene. Introduces microscopy, cell biology, chemical vs. physical changes, and data collection.
fingerprint_tt.doc
DNA fingerprinting
Students are given DNA "samples" obtained from suspects and use a mock gel-electrophoresis to identify possible culprits. Introduces gel electrophoresis, restriction enzymes, and principles of genetics.
DNA fingerprinting activity.doc
Blood typing
Students are given "blood" samples and use a simple procedure to identify blood type for comparison to evidence from the crime scene. Introduces concepts of genetics, precipitation reactions, and antibodies.
blood typing.doc
Stomach content analysis
Students compare testimony collected from suspects to stomach contents obtained from the crime scene. Students perform control experiments and then apply the same techniques to evidence. Introduces concepts of precipitation reactions, enzymes, properties of proteins and carbohydrates (mono/di/polysaccharides), foods that contain each, and scientific assays.
Stomach content analylsis.doc
Pen analysis
Students match pens to a note found at the crime scene using chromatography patterns. Introduces concepts of chromatography, color composition, and scientific assays.
Whose Pen Was It.doc
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