Unit 2 Final Assignment
Forensic Anthropology Culminating Assignment
Lost Colony: A real estate developer has discovered what looks like a very old human settlement on the coast of North Carolina. You, a forensic anthropologist, have been invited to study the artifacts and remains to determine if a recently-discovered human settlement might belong to the Lost Colony; the information you provide may motivate the State of North Carolina to protect an important historic area.
Having read and researched literary and informational texts on forensic anthropology, write an explanatory, informative article in which you explain how forensic evidence suggests links to the Lost Colony. Support your discussion with evidence from at least three of the unit’s texts.
Supporting Resources
Anchor Text 1: What is Forensic Anthropology?
DNA Solves Mystery of Ancient American Skeleton's Origins: Kennewick Man
Could a Rock from Sir Walter Raleigh's Expedition be in a Chapel Hill Wall? (New article about a possible connection to the Lost Colony found in Chapel Hill!)
Have We Found the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island?
Is THIS the Lost Roanoke Colony?
Archaeologists Find New Clues to “Lost Colony” Mystery
The Roanoke Island Colony: Lost and Found?
Historic Jamestown: Jane (Caution: some contents might be disturbing.)
Crime Scene Investigation: Recently, a body was found in a forest region in North Carolina. As a top forensic anthropologist in the state, you have been called to the scene to determine the cause of death. Having read and researched literary and informational texts on forensic anthropology, write an informational, explanatory article outlining your findings. First, you must determine the identity of the victim. Explain the forensic anthropology skills you used to determine the biological profile of the victim. Second, using your knowledge on forensic anthropological work in crime solving, outline the steps you took to identify the cause of death of the victim. Support your discussion with evidence from at least three of the unit’s texts.
Supporting Resources
Anchor Text 1: What is Forensic Anthropology? (Original article link for citing)
TedTalk - Freddy Peccerelli, Forensic Anthropology Foundation of Guatemala
Bodies on the Border - NY Times article - Warning! Graphic Images
What Role do Anthropologists Play in Solving Crimes?
Speckled Band (Use this one for now)
Use this citation:
- Eastman, David, Allan Eitzen, and Arthur C. Doyle. The Adventure of the Speckled Band. Mahwah, N.J: Troll Associates, 1982. Print.
“The Adventure of the Speckled Band” by Arthur Conan Doyle (fiction)
Vocabulary for "Speckled Band"
Bill Bass - The Body Farm and Beyond (Caution: some graphic images)
Dead Man Talking: Solving Crime Through Science
Facial Reconstruction Helps Identify Murder Victims
Ann Ross, Raleigh Forensic Anthropologist (Caution: some graphic descriptions)