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In this physical sciences activity, learners explore how forensic investigators collect prints from a crime scene. Learners make hand impressions in damp sand and analyze the patterns they observe. Learners also set up mock crime scenes and analyze thumbprints and shoe prints.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- sand
- (optional) 1 large tarp covered with a layer of sand, a sand volleyball court, or natural sandy area
- 1 sturdy plastic container (at least 3 in. deep)
- 1 ruler or tape measure
- water
- 1 magnifying glass
- 1 towel for wiping off hands and feet
- paper and pencils
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
- Diversity of Life
-
Ecology
- Biodiversity
- Human Body
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Representation
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
Physical Sciences
- Structure and Properties of Matter
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Crime Science
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Culture, ethnicity, and gender
-
Girls
- Explicity developed for this group
- Acknowledges this group's contributions to STEM
- Highlights STEM opportunities for this group
- Identifies role models or mentors in STEM fields from this group
- Uses inclusive images of people from this group
Other
Foreign language versions of this resource:
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2013
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, DRL-1114739
- L'Oreal USA For Girls in Science
- Northrop Grumman Foundation
- PPG Industries Foundation