How do Forensic Scientists Analyze Blood Spatter?

In this lab activity, students will investigate the relationship between the height blood is dropped from and the diameter on the next drop on impact. They will also learn to recognize vertical blood drops on a variety of different textured surfaces and differentiate between high and medium velocity spatter such as from a gun shot or blunt force trauma. This lab activity utilizes Framework Standards PS2 (Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions).

This kit has been aligned with all published National Standards. Pre- and Post-laboratory assessments and vocabulary words all target specific Science and Engineering Practices and common core standards. The teacher guide also contains specific "Did You Know" concepts that link the real world with scientific standards explored. A student copymaster is also included. Both activities include enough materials for eight student setups.


Materials included:
8 Protractors
8 Rulers
8 Clipboards
8 Toothbrushes
1 Syringe
8 Bottles of simulated drip and projected blood
8 Bottles of simulated transfer blood
8 Vernier calipers
200 index cards, 5"X8"
15 Pipets
1 Spool of string


Materials not provided:
10 mL Graduated cylinder
Plastic and paper bags
Poster board and/or computer paper
Unlined paper or freezer paper
Cardboard
A non-porous surface, such as painted wood or plexiglas
Flat, non-porous wall surface
Paper towels, cloths, or rags, etc.
Object such as a hammer, screwdriver, shoe, etc.
Tape
Tongue depressor, or plastic knife
Digital camera and/or drawing/sketching tools


Time requirements:
This activity takes approximately 3-4 45 minute lab sessions to complete

• Aligned to NGSS Physical Science DCI PS2 Pre and post laboratory assessments Linked to a real world scenario Estimated class/lab time required: 120 minutes in 3 or 4 class periods

Both introductory and advanced kits have been aligned with all published National Standards. Pre- and Post-laboratory assessments and vocabulary words all target specific Science and Engineering Practices and common core standards. The teacher guide also contains specific "Did You Know" concepts that link the real world with scientific standards explored. A student copymaster is also included. Both activities include enough materials for eight student setups.

Introductory Blood Spatter Analysis Kit:
How do Forensic Scientists Analyze Blood Spatter?
In this kit, students will investigate the relationship between the height blood is dropped from and the diameter on the next drop on impact. They will also learn to recognize vertical blood drops on a variety of different textured surfaces and differentiate between high and medium velocity spatter such as from a gunshot or blunt force trauma. This kit utilizes NGSS Physical Science DCI PS2 (Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions).

Advanced Blood Spatter Analysis Kit:
What do bloodstains tell us?
In this kit, students will discover how forensic scientists analyze bloodstains from crime scenes. Students will learn to recognize and analyze bloodstain patterns on a variety of surfaces. They will then apply this knowledge to determine the sequence of events at a fictional crime scene and the approximate position of the victim when blood exited the body. This activity allows students to explore Physical Science Standards PS2.