By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
For each participant:
See Activity 6 for suggestions of speakers who could attend the meeting or places where participants could visit, and make arrangements as needed.
Reminder: Any time you use an outside source, be sure you follow the content owner’s or website’s permission requirements and guidelines.
These videos were chosen because they illustrate important aspects of the forensic science discipline being studied in this session. Note: Some of the content in the case studies is geared toward a mature audience. Advisors should review these videos before showing them to ensure that they are age appropriate for the post.
The following links are to websites that contain information about bloodstain pattern analysis. These would be good resources for Advisors to review if they would like to go into greater depth on this topic.
Make sure you add time in your activities for viewing and discussing videos with the Explorers. These videos are currently not built into the session plan so you will need to choose those that best complement your activities and plans for this topic.
Text in italics should be read aloud to participants. As you engage your post in activities each week, please include comments, discussions, and feedback to the group relating to Character, Leadership, and Ethics. These are important attributes that make a difference in the success of youth in the workplace and in life.
Say to Explorers: Bloodstain pattern analysis is a discipline of forensic science that examines bloodstain patterns at crime scenes. The size, shape, and distribution of bloodstains are examined in order to determine the physical events and mechanisms that gave rise to their origins. The examination of bloodstain patterns is a critical component of crime scene reconstruction as these patterns can assist in determining the:
Additionally, bloodstain pattern analysis can support or refute statements made by victims, suspects, or witnesses.
To provide more background to the Explorers, you may wish to share some of the materials listed under “Websites” and “Videos.”
After Explorers have conducted Activities 1-4, debrief as a large group.
Have participants watch as many videos as time permits from the Midwest Forensics Resource Center at www.ameslab.gov/mfrc/bpa-videos. These videos illustrate a number of different mechanisms that create bloodstain patterns.
Have each Explorer follow this procedure:
Ask: What correlation can you draw between stain diameter and dropping height?
Have each Explorer follow this procedure:
Ask participants whether or not they would be able to ascertain the nature of each object if it were used in an actual criminal case.
Show the video “Blood Stain Analysis: Calculating the Area of Convergence and the Area of Origin” (National Forensic Science Technology Center): www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jFKZaSeNjg.
Have participants complete the Impact Angle Determination Practice activity sheet. Then review the worksheet with participants using the Impact Angle Determination Practice answer key.
Show the Forensic Files and/or Medical Detectives episodes listed under “Videos” to the Explorers and discuss how bloodstain pattern evidence helped in the investigation.
If possible, make arrangements for one of the following activities in order to provide Explorers with a real-world look at the profession of forensic science.
Some sample questions are below. They are designed to help the participants apply what they have learned to their own interests. You are welcome to use these questions or develop your own questions that relate to your post or specific focus area.
All content is copyright Christopher Bily, Next Generation Forensic Science Initiative, West Virginia University. Used with permission.
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