Curated OER
Fly Forensics
Freddy's Friendly Fruit Market is under attack by fruit flies, and it is up to your aspiring biologists to solve the crime! By reading and analyzing the phenotypes, detectives determine which fly is responsible. This memorable assignment...
Curated OER
Magnificent Microscopes Unit Including Mystery and Alternative Assessment Activity
After drawing and labelling a microscope, forensic science explorers use one to solve a simulated murder mystery. They examine each piece of evidence and draw what they observe at each magnification. Working in groups of four, your...
Curated OER
Forensic Files: A DNA Dilemma
Seventh-graders come in to science class to find a file on their desks detailing a crime to be solved! As a demonstration, you simulate the restriction of DNA samples and separate them by electrophoresis. From the gel, learners can...
Curated OER
"A Test for Murder"
Young scholars compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of their observation abilities as they examine forensic evidence provided by a classroom simulation of a crime committed.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Forensic Dna Analysis
This video segment from NOVA: "The Killer's Trail" investigates the potential for DNA evidence to solve murder cases, even those from the distant past.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Dna on the Witness Stand
Dr. Eric Lander of the Human Genome Project explains the use of DNA as forensic evidence. He describes the process and need for standards in testing laboratories and discusses the use of DNA evidence as a human rights tool.
PBS
Nova Teachers: Hunt for the Serial Arsonist: Classroom Activity
In this activity they can begin to see how forensic scientists use fingerprints for identification. Students will identify particularly noticeable features in fingerprints and compare students' fingerprints.
Success Link
Success Link: Forensic Chemistry
An interesting lesson that taps into students' interest in crime solving and forensics. Students examine glass fragments and their density to help them solve a crime.