Download Forensics: Serology

Forensics: Serology
Suggested Time Frame: 2 weeks
Unit Designer: James Hook
Link to Content Standards
4.2 Explain how the circulatory system (heart, arteries, veins, capillaries, red blood cells)
transports nutrients and oxygen to cells and removes cell wastes. Describe how the
kidneys and the liver are closely associated with the circulatory system as they perform
the excretory function of removing waste from the blood. Recognize that kidneys remove
nitrogenous wastes, and the liver removes many toxic compounds from blood.
4.4 Recognize that communication between cells is required for coordination of body
functions. The nerves communicate with electrochemical signals, hormones circulate
through the blood, and some cells produce signals to communicate only with nearby
cells.
SIS1. Make observations, raise questions, and formulate hypotheses.
SIS2. Design and conduct scientific investigations.
SIS3. Analyze and interpret results of scientific investigations.
SIS4. Communicate and apply the results of scientific investigations.
Brief summary of Unit
 Discuss the study of fluids and how they relate to forensics
 Understand which components of blood, urine etc and why they are useful
to forensic scientists
 Analyze blood spatter to determine point of origin, flight characteristics
and crime scene recreation.
 Understand blood typing and its use in eliminating suspects.
Objectives to be covered
 Determine whether a stain is blood.
 Determine whether a bloodstain is human or animal blood.
 Determine the blood type of a simulated bloodstain using the ABO/Rh system.
 Explore bloodstain patterns as a function of velocity, direction, and height of fall.
 Design and conduct scientific investigations.
 Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications.
 Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.
 Communicate and defend a scientific argument. Testing stain with a hemastix
Enduring Knowledge
 Understand the different types of blood types and what causes them
 That an antibody and antigen of different types will agglutinate when mixed
together.
 Know the components of blood that are used by forensic scientists
 Determine whether a stain is blood
 Determine if a bloodstain is human or animal blood
 Determine the blood type of a simulated bloodstain using the ABO/Rh system
 Explore bloodstain patterns as a function of velocity, direction and height of the
fall.
Essential Questions
 What questions should the investigator answer when examining an apparent dried
bloodstain?
 What property of blood is used in most presumptive tests?
 What is a secretor?
 How is serology used in forensic investigations?
 What test can determine whether blood is human or animal?
 Why is the serum used in testing human blood called antiserum?
 Can a bloodstain be used for individualization?
 How do you calculate the angle of impact?
Assessments
Web search quiz
Typing quiz
Blood spatter Lab
Blood typing Lab
Bloodstain pattern lab
Blood typing test
Section Review Test