In this project the students will learn about the problem of crime scene contamination. The students begin with a missing person case that develops into a homicide. The homicide is then linked to a kidnapping for ransom case. As the students examine the evidence they learn that, otherwise well meaning individuals have inadvertently contaminated the crime scenes, destroying some evidence and introducing what appears to be trace evidence that has to be accounted for or discounted and explained. Fortunately the cases are still solvable and the kidnapped person may be rescued. In the last lesson the students tackle the issue of the various ways that the scenes were contaminated and produce a Public Information Announcement that shows the public the problems with crime scene contamination and how they can avoid doing so.
The project includes lab activities, writing activities, exercises in organizing and analyzing information, problem analysis and public presentations.
This unit is brought to you by Jay Crawford (CTE) with support from the CTE Online curriculum leadership team and detailed coordination provided by the Course Team Lead Joshua Bradley.