Forensic Entomology 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. The bodies discovered in the cabin crime scene were unrecognizably decomposing and had large maggot masses on them. Students will learn how forensic entomologists use maggots to determine the post mortem interval (PMI). Students will then examine exemplars of the life stages of two fly species and develop their own personal key for distinguishing between life stage and species. Afterwards, students will use their key to identify a number of insects that were collected from the corpses. They will then record that information for the entire class to use. Finally, by comparing the identification data to a life stage/species development chart and using National Weather Service data, students will determine the postmortem interval for both decedents. This is also a permanent kit, in that as long as specimens are not damaged, they can be reused from class to class. Supplies are included for up to 30 students working in six groups. Kit includes 6 life stages of Species A (Lucilia sericata), 6 life stages of Species B (Bercaea haemorrhoidalis), 6 evidence collections, and it also includes weather data. It can be stored at room temperature. Instructions to download an illustrated teacher’s manual with technique background are also included.