Bite Marks 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. During the car crash investigation, John Wayne Gretsky presented a bite mark on his arm as an alibi, claiming he was bitten in a bar fight. Students must determine if he was bitten by a bar patron, or maybe by a victim of the car crash! After learning about forensic odontology, students will take casts of their own teeth in wax and identify their teeth. They will then develop their own personal set of objective criteria for bite marks analysis. With these criteria, they will attempt to determine if the bite mark in a photo of John Wayne’s arm could have been made by any of the wax casts they have to compare, including a cast from the car crash victim. Supplies are included for up to 30 students working in six groups. Instructions to download an illustrated teacher’s manual with technique background are also included. For grades 9 through college.