Download Internet Research Hair Analysis – Unit 4 Investigation questions Pick

Internet Research Hair Analysis – Unit 4
Investigation questions
Pick any 2 research questions. Use the rubric on the last page to guide you in your
research and written response to each question. Include the URL/resources you
used for your answers.

What is mitochondrial DNA and why is it useful in analyzing hair samples?

Can the racial origin of hair be determined? Explain.

Can age and gender be determined by hair? Explain

Invent a test to measure the effects of ultraviolet radiation on hair to
answer the question, what makes hair decompose.

Chemical analysis of hair for evidence of drug use can lead to a false
positive. What is a false positive? What steps should an investigator take
to avoid a false positive?

Explain how a hair sample can be used in a medical diagnosis. Explain how it
can be used in detection of drug use?

Investigate the Colin Ross Case. Write a summary of the crime and the
verdict. Do you think he was innocent?

In comparing two hair samples, what aspects of the hair is the criminalist
particularly interested in matching? What other features of hair are
important to compare?

Compare and contrast the different types of hair characteristics from
different ethnic groups of people.
Hair Analysis Rubric
Name _________________________________________
____ Writing (20 pts)

Information is very organized with well-constructed sentences.

All 4 questions are addressed with at least 4 sentences explanation about each.

Words chosen originate from you and are not cut and pasted from website used.

Information clearly relates to the question. It includes 2 supporting details and/or
examples.
____ URL or source of information included (5pts)

All sources (information and graphics) are accurately documented with the URL(s)
used in your research.
____ Total out of 30 pts