Project Quarter #2

Forensics In a Nutshell

Frances Glessner Lee created crime scene models that recreated real crime scenes. She built these dioramas to be used at police training tools to help crime scene investigators learn the art and science of detailed forensics-based detection.

As the investigator, you must bear in mind that there is a two-fold responsibility—to clear the innocent as well as expose the guilty. Seek only the facts—find the truth in a Nutshell.

Your job is to construct a diorama of a crime scene. You will be your own Frances Glessner Lee. Objects in your crime scene should be made to scale just as she strove to do. Anyone should be able to see the 5 important pieces of evidence for your crime scene to correctly identify either the innocent or guilty party.

- Your diorama should have a name for the deceased and some witness statements to give us an idea of the scene we are looking at without giving too much away.

- You will also include a key to the teacher to show what important pieces of evidence you should find in the diorama.

- If you need any materials to correctly complete this project, let me know as soon as possible.

You will need to supply a written explanation of how you will set up your scene to your teacher a week before the project is due.

Your written explanation of the crime scene is due:

Your Project is Due On:

You will be graded on the following rubric:

1) Written Explanation of Crime Scene: 10 points

The written explanation is complete and handed in on time and explains crime scene and evidence that will be used.

2) Character of Deceased: 3 points

Is character mentioned in scene analysis

Description of location of crime scene is mentioned

3) Witness Testimony: 7 points

At least one witness testimony is included

Witness testimony helps establish where scene is taking place

4) Pieces of Evidence: 50 points

There are at least 5 pieces of evidence in your diorama

Each piece of evidence plays a key role to solving the crime

At least 2 pieces of evidence are not very apparent at first glance

At least 1 piece of evidence involves the body at the scene

5) Creativity of Scene: 5 points

Diorama is unique; not a recreation of known crime

6) Accuracy of Diorama: 15 points

Diorama is proportionate

Diorama is accurate to what an actual crime scene would appear

All blood spatter, evidence is to scale and accurate

7) Key: 10 points

Key is supplied to teacher on time

Key gives at least 5 pieces of evidence and explains the importance of each piece of evidence

Key shows that scene is either homicide or suicide.

8) Use of Class Time: 10 points

You(or your group) use class effectively and efficiently, and show progress each day

9) Your complete of 4 other groups’ dioramas: 40 points

TOTAL: 150 POINTS

*Every day the project is late, you will lose 10 points from your total grade*

After you have completed your diorama you will then show your diorama to your class along with your information on the deceased and any witness testimony. You will have to complete the following sheet for each diorama you complete.

Name:

Crime Scene Name:

1)  Who has died? Is the scene a homicide, suicide, or accidental death? Explain your answer.

2)  What are 5 pieces of evidence from this crime scene? For each piece of evidence, explain why it is important to the crime scene investigation.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

3)  What test would you have to do back at the crime lab to help complete your investigation?

4)  Do you have any suspect(s) for this crime scene? If so , who?

5)  Explain your answer to question #4. If no suspects, why?