Glencoe Science Level Blue

Unit 1: Humans and Heredity

Investigate a crime scene

Introduction:

Crime scene investigation is a popular branch of detective work. It involves patience, attention to detail, and at times, use of sophisticated technology. People who work as crime scene investigators can be called upon at any time of day to help solve a crime. The evidence that they collect at the scene is often used in the trial of the person accused of committing the crime.

Task:

This project can be completed as a whole-class project. Students will investigate a mock crime scene, take detailed notes and then present mock evidence to a judge and jury of their peers. Set up a class “courtroom” and appoint members of the class to represent the suspect, prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, and jury. Teachers will need to determine what the mock crime will be and introduce evidence to the scene for students to locate and investigate. Formal debate style can be used if desired. If limitations exist for setting up a mock crime scene in the classroom then a written scenario can be used instead.

Time:

1 class period to investigate the crime scene and gather evidence. 1 class period to present the evidence to a judge and jury.

Resources [This is a list of possible resources. Students should be encouraged to do additional research in the school’s library as well]:

Mock Crime Scene Example
http://www3.nsta.org/main/news/pdf/tst0203_28.pdf

Genetic Science Learning Center
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/features/forensics/

Basics of DNA Fingerprinting
http://protist.biology.washington.edu/fingerprint/dnaintro.html

DNA Forensics
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics/shtml

How to Debate – Video Lectures
http://debate.uvm.edu/critadv.html

Grading Rubric

Description	Rating
The student’s chart is exceptionally well organized, clear, and concise. The data show an understanding of the process involved. The chart is neat and presentable.
The student’s chart is good. The accuracy of the data collected is satisfactory. The data show a basic understanding of the process involved in collecting the information.
The student’s chart is not well organized and shows some problems related to the process involved in collecting the information. The chart is not done neatly.
The work is very poorly done or has not been completed.