Learning Intentions:
We are Learning to.... See how careful observations make a difference in Forensic Science
So that we can.... Improve on our skill as a Forensic Scientist
We will be able to .... Make careful observations
We are Learning to.... See how careful observations make a difference in Forensic Science
So that we can.... Improve on our skill as a Forensic Scientist
We will be able to .... Make careful observations
The most important tool of a forensic investigator is the ability to observe a situation, organize it into its component parts, evaluate it and draw appropriate conclusions.
Objective: Students will learn about the reliability of witnesses by testing their own memory of things they have observed.
Observe the following picture for exactly 30 seconds. Look at everything you think might be important. After 30 seconds, answer these questions. Do not read the questions before you look at the picture! How observant were you? Compare your answers to the picture.
Observation Questions - Picture
Are there cars parked on the sides of the road?
What color is the pickup truck driving in the road?
Any minivans around?
What does the blue sign say?
What's the speed limit?
Are there any pedestrians on the road?
2. Choose a partner: One of you needs to take the role of the eye witness and the other as the investigator. Can the investigators leave the room, please?
Allow the observers to look at this picture for 30 seconds. The investigators should not look at the picture. After 30 seconds, the investigators return and should begin questioning the observers with the questions below.
How many cars were in the intersection?
Answer: 2
Across the street, are there any parked cars on the side?
Yes
Can you describe at least one of the cars driving through the intersection?
Are there any other potential witnesses?
If they answer yes, ask the following question: What was this witness doing? Where was he?
They should have noticed a person mowing a lawn across the street.
What was the speed limit?
35
Was there anyone parked in the first parking spot?
No
(NOTE: Print these off for the investigator to ask the eyewitness)
How did you go?
What effect eyewitness accounts?
How would you go identifying a person?