Blood spatter and hair and fibre analysis in class

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 impacts one another.

Each lab's evidence answers some questions about the case while at the same time raising new questions.

In Blood Spatter, 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 of shape of the spatter.

In the fifth lab to be released, Hair and Fibre Analysis, students are tasked with analysing hair and fibre evidence.

Hairs and fibres must first be removed from trace evidence collection tape by dissolving its adhesive in water and filtering the hairs and fibres from the solution.

Students will then characterise the hairs and fibres using microscopy.

As in all Lyle and Louise modules, these kits are geared to high school and undergraduate courses, and are 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.

The first five modules (DNA Typing, Questioned Documents, Bite Marks Analysis, Blood Spatter, and Hair and Fibre Analysis) are now available for sale.

A special sale going until the end of February 2007 allows Laboratorytalk readers to receive $25 off any kit purchase by using coupon code 4525OFF.