The Mystery of Lyle and Louise is a comprehensive lab-based curriculum that consists of a series of independent modules, and is geared toward high school and college classrooms
Each module introduces students to a forensic analysis technique, followed by evidence that relates to the ongoing murder case.
While they can be conducted independent of one another, each module is connected to a common storyline and impact each other.
Each lab's evidence answers some questions about the case while at the same time raising new questions.
The first module, DNA Typing, focuses on two individual female murder victims, both of whom have been identified as Louise Mondelo.
To unravel the mystery, students must learn about polymerase chain reaction (PCR), short tandem repeat (STR), and other technologies in DNA typing.
The second module, Questioned Documents, focuses on investigating a possible motive in the case - money.
During this lab, students will examine handwriting using conserved characters, identify possible forgeries, extract ink from a document, and perform thin layer chromatography.
The third module, Bite Marks Analysis, focuses on investigating a possible alibi in the case.
During the investigation of a mysterious car crash, a key suspect presented a bite mark on his arm as his alibi, claiming he was bitten in a bar fight.
Students must determine if he was bitten by a bar patron, or maybe by a victim of the car crash.
After learning about forensic odontology, students will take casts of their own teeth in soft-wax and identify their teeth.
They will then develop their own personal set of objective criteria for bite marks analysis.
With these criteria, they will attempt to determine if the bite mark in a photo of John Wayne's arm could have been made by any of the wax casts they have to compare, including a cast from the car crash victim.
As in all Lyle and Louise modules, this kit is geared to high school and undergraduate courses, and is matched to US National Science Education Standards.
Once students have completed one or more modules, they may participate in a mock trial to hold a suspect accountable.
Each module also includes a fully illustrated manual with a history of the technique written by industry experts, pre- and post-lab exercises, and detailed teacher's notes.
