Hair & Fiber Analysis

A large amount of trace evidence was collected during the investigation of the cabin, and recently additional trace evidence has arrived from the Tumbling Water Land Development Co. truck discovered in New Mexico.

Students are tasked with analyzing the hair and fiber evidence. Hairs and fibers must first be removed from trace evidence collection tape by dissolving its adhesive in water and filtering the hairs and fibers from the solution. Students must then characterize the hairs and fibers using microscopy.

After all of the evidence from the truck is processed, students must attempt to match types of hairs and fibers from the cabin to those found in the truck. During this process, students learn about evidence handling and comparison.

As in all Lyle and Louise modules, this kit is geared to high school and undergraduate courses, and is matched to National Science Education Standards.

Included

• 30 cabin evidence collections
• 12 suspect evidence collections
• 6 truck evidence collections
• Data collection worksheets
• 144 microscope slides w/ coverslips
• 6 bottles of mounting media
• Fully illustrated teacher's manual with technique background

Required Equipment ( not included ) 

• Filters, funnels, and filter paper
• Forceps (6 - 12)
• Lab gloves
• Light-transmitting microscopes (6 - 12)

Storage Conditions

This item can be shipped and stored at room temperature.