Forensic Impressions Lab Activity

Introduce your budding forensic scientists to the many types of impressions taken at a crime scene and how they can lead to solving a crime. Investigators at a crime scene must be extremely careful not to destroy any trace evidence that may lead to a suspect, and in this activity, students will learn how to observe, classify, and analyze impression evidence. They will look at footprints, fingerprints, writing, rope and binding, and key impressions, as well as tire tracks. They will also be able to make casts of the various impressions to help solve the included crime scenario. This activity is suitable for children grades 8-12 and has enough materials sufficient for 24 students working in groups of 6 or 4.

Materials Included:

Instructor's Manual Students manual Assessment manual MSDS Vials of carbon powder Small paint brushes Plain paper stock Modeling clay Plaster of Paris Teaspoons 5 different ropes

Magnifying glass Tongue depressors Tire Impressions Pictures Small ink roller Ink Paper cups Soil Sifting screen Tooth brushes Pans Petri Dishes

Materials needed but not included:

Spray bottle
Mixing containers (Approx 3 Quarts)
Old Tire
Newspaper
Old Gym Shoe