Death of an Angel

In this Science upd8 activity students take on the role of forensic science technicians who are acting as expert witnesses for the murder of Angel. By analysing blood splatter patterns, they check whether the murder weapon used was a hammer. They also watch a demonstration of a blood viscosity test to check whether the time of death originally measured was accurate.

The resources include a newpaper article describing the crime and eye witness statements in which the students show what they have deduced from evidence, looking at the difference between hypothesis and clear evidence. They are given instructions for the tests they would carry out and reliability checklists.

This activity aims to show science skills put to use in a career. The teachers' and teachnicians' notes include details about the career of forensic science, the skills and qualifications needed.