Welcome to The Missing Money Mystery: An Introduction to Forensic Science!
In our last article, we shared Part I of The Missing Money resources, providing helpful links for lessons 1-6. Simply click here to scroll through Part I of the resources or you can keep reading to jump right into Part II, lessons 7-12.
You can also read the complete overview by visiting our website and clicking The Missing Money Mystery course kit, and click here to watch a helpful introductory video.
Lesson 7
Cast a Clue: Shoe Print Evidence
PBS Kids “Dragonfly TV” shares a variety of fun forensic episodes and activities that are available online. Find out who trashed Lizzy’s birthday party by clicking and watching the video here!
To dive even deeper, read the article “Footwear, The Missed Evidence” to learn more about the importance of shoe print evidence, why it’s used in investigations, and how to create your own shoe print mold.
Lesson 8
Crack the Code: Cryptograms
Learn more about secret messages and ciphers by heading over to Autodesk Instructables!
The Secret Codes for Cubs and Scouts website shares a wide variety of unique codes and puzzles for kids to try and solve. Click here to get started!
The National Security Agency hosts a kids’ page in which you can access fun and informative games and activities
at America’s Cryptokids and the Cryptologic Museum.
Lesson 9
Lifting Lips: Lip Prints
Head over to the Forensic Blog to dive a bit deeper into Cheiloscopy (the study of lip prints) and learn all about the history, the different types of lip prints, and why lip prints are so important.
The following activity will enrich what has been learned in Lesson 9 about lips, mouths, and prints!
- Do others in your family have the same lip print patterns? Using index cards or clean scrap paper, have each member of your family make a lip print. Next, identify them as one of the five most common patterns. Remember to circle the places on the print that helped you reach your conclusion. Next, count the various patterns and determine which pattern is most common? Do you share a pattern with anyone else in your family?
Lesson 10
Proof in Profiling: DNA Identification
The following activities and websites will further enrich what has been learned in Lesson 10 about DNA.
- Simply head over to the American Museum of Natural History. This is where you’ll find numerous activities to try. A Nature and Nurture Walk helps you to determine if traits are nature only or nature and nurture. Around the World with DNA takes a look at animal makeup. Also, All About Cloning introduces you to Dolly the sheep.
- Dive into some more DNA activities by exploring the Genetic Science Learning Center here. There are three tours that address this lesson: What is DNA? What is a Chromosome? What is a Trait? Also, click on Build a DNA Molecule and Translate and Transcribe a Gene.
Lesson 11
Suspicious Statements: Means, Motive, Opportunity
A retired Deputy United States Marshal with 26 years of federal law enforcement experience launched this fascinating site. Check out this Statement Analysis page to learn how particular words and language can be used to detect a lie.
Or head over to Science Kids to watch this fun video on how to detect if someone is lying. Here are some tips; look out for revealing body language, frequent blinking, lack of eye contact, unnatural speech, defensive body posture, and other lie-detection clues to help you catch liars in the act.
Lesson 12
Case closed: Analyzing Evidence
The following activities and websites will further enrich what has been learned in Lesson 12 about deductive reasoning and mysteries!
- Solving a crime is a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. If you do not have any puzzles of your own, simply click here and then head over to the Jigsaw Puzzles.
- Now use deductive reasoning to stop Hacker before he ruins Eco-Haven! Click here to head over to PBS Kids and watch this fun video!
If you found these links helpful, keep a lookout for more resources to come in the near future!
We’d love to hear your feedback or any questions that you might have. You can email us at any time by sending a message to info@commlearning.com.
