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Forensic Science Projects with a Crime Lab You Can Build
The father of forensic science, Edmond Locard, proposed that every criminal leaves behind something at the scene of his crime, and carries away something from that crime. Robert Gardner teaches young forensic scientists how to build their own crime lab and how to do experiments that analyze evidence such as fingerprints and handwriting samples. The author further provides great ideas for individual science fair projects.
* Reviews *
Science-project books are always in demand, and Gardners latest has twofold appeal. First, it ties into the high-interest field of forensics. Second, like others in the Build-a-Lab! Science Experiments series, its first project involves the gathering of equipment and supplies, encouraging the organization conducive to sound scientific inquiry. Gardner creatively handles the challenging task of assembling activities that connect strongly to his often grisly theme. Experiments such as analyzing the density of glass and creating chromatographic profiles of different inks illustrate the investigation techniques presented in the main text, while underscoring basic curriculum concepts. As with many hands-on science titles, however, this one falters when addressing safety issues. Cautions and calls for adult help appear prominently, but one experiment that uses vapors from a dab of Superglue lacks the foresight exhibited elsewhere in the book by failing to warn against inhaling the substance. Concerns may also arise surrounding the concluding list of science-supply companiesa feature that may be welcomed by experimenters even as adults fret over the uses to which such supplies may be put. While the forensics information will draw students interest, the potential dangers may lead some recommenders to set this aside for use in classrooms, where adult supervision can be ensured., Booklist October 15, 2007
RL
Grades
5-6 IL
Grades
5-12+ GRL
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