Follow the Blood Patterns to Describe the Crime

• Case- Based Scenario
• Uses Physics and Math

Students must determine how the blood spatter found at the cabin scene was formed. To do this, students first learn about the techniques for blood spatter pattern analysis. Then, students will conduct an experiment designed to determine the relationship between the height and angle of impact of a blood drop and the size and shape of the spatter. Students drop synthetic blood onto paper at different heights and angles and then measure the size and shape of those drops. Afterwards, they will use MS Excel or another spreadsheet program to analyze their data and build a mathematical model. After students have created their model, they will apply it to the blood spatter patterns found in the cabin. By running strings that attach to the blood in the crime scene model's walls at angles predicted by their model, students will be able to determine the point of impact that caused the spatter. Supplies are included for up to 30 students working in six groups. As in all Lyle and Louise modules, this kit is geared to high school and undergraduate courses, and is matched to National Science Education Standards.

Materials Included:
Cardboard Blood Drop Angle Supports
Cardboard Cabin Models
11" x 17" Paper
Synthetic Blood
Pasteur pipettes
Pasteur pipette bulbs
Crime Scene Blood Spatter Images
String
Push-pins
Measuring Tapes
Teacher's manual access online