Death of an Angel

In this Science upd8 activity students take on the role of forensic science technicians who are acting as expert witnesses for the murder of Angel. By analysing blood splatter patterns, they check whether the murder weapon used was a hammer. They also watch a demonstration of a blood viscosity test to check whether the time of death originally measured was accurate.

The resources include a newpaper article describing the crime and eye witness statements in which the students show what they have deduced from evidence, looking at the difference between hypothesis and clear evidence. They are given instructions for the tests they would carry out and reliability checklists.

This activity aims to show science skills put to use in a career. The teachers' and teachnicians' notes include details about the career of forensic science, the skills and qualifications needed.

URL: http://stem.org.uk/rxan

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Review

Death of an Angel

Posted by Anna Richardson on 6th December 2010

Activity Time: 50-60 minutes
Level/Prior Knowledge: Suitable for Year 7 all ability Levels 4 to 7.…

Activity Time: 50-60 minutes
Level/Prior Knowledge: Suitable for Year 7 all ability Levels 4 to 7. Pupils should know the difference between the terms reliable and accurate and how to calculate an average from data.
Subject /Curriculum links/skills: How Science Works -Basic forensic science for KS3 links to Maths Literacy and Careers
Preparation Time: 30 minutes (includes time to set up example splatter patterns)
Extra Resources: Rulers and calculators, A4 or A3 Plain paper, Newspapers for the floor, paper towels for spills and access to hand washing facilities.
Commentary
Tried this activity with mixed ability Year 7‘s in groups of 3-4 with a starter comparing the fictional characters and the real life role of a forensic scientist by asking pupils to recall TV programmes such as CSI as this captured their imagination. Pupils enjoyed making different patterns with “fake blood” by varying the angle and pressure to represent the murder weapon. A good tip is to use children’s red Poster paint (ASDA) diluted with a small amount of distilled water (test drying time for around 20 minutes) meaning the students results can be analysed within the lesson.
While waiting for the “blood” to dry, demonstrate the second part of the activity using the Powerpoint to re-focus the pupils following the practical.
Plenary extension activity or Homework: get pupils to write their report as a newspaper article (Note: depending on literacy levels you may need to provide a writing frame).
By Cynthia Tippling