Blood Spatter Analysis Kit

The Mystery of Lyle and Louise Series of Forensic Kits introduces students to different methods used in forensic analysis. Each hands-on lab module allows students to process different evidence from the crime scene that took place in a rural Appalachian town. The series offers interdisciplinary activities matched to National Science Education Standards. Students must determine how the blood spatter found at the cabin scene was formed. To do this, they will 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. Students drop synthetic blood onto paper at different heights and angles in and then measure the size and shape of those drops. Afterwards, they will use MS Excel or another spreadsheet program to analyze their data and build a mathematical model. After students have created their model, they will apply it to the blood spatter patterns found in the cabin. By running strings that attach to the blood in the crime scene model’s walls at angles predicted by their model, students will be able to determine the point of impact that caused the spatter. Supplies are included for up to 30 students working in six groups. Kit includes 6 cardboard blood drop angle support, 6 3-D cardboard cabin model, 50 sheets of 17” length by 11” width, 6 bottles of synthetic blood, 6 Pasteur pipettes, 6 Pasteur pipette bulbs. Also includes 6 sets of crime scene blood spatter images, 6 sets of string, 1 box of push-pins, and 6 measuring tapes. It can be stored at room temperature. Instructions to download an illustrated teacher’s manual with technique background are also included.