Embedded Files
Tuesday, 5/22 Assignment:
Tuesday, 5/22 Assignment:
At a nearby construction zone, workers have made a startling discovery. They uncovered several bones that look like they were buried some time ago. You are part of a team of forensic anthropologists who have been called in to analyze these bones. Unfortunately, the bones were heavily damaged by the construction equipment. The bones have all been mixed up, and several have been crushed. However, you think you can use the bones that are left to:
- determine how many people were buried at this location and
- determine the heights of the different individuals.
Instructions:
- Complete an analysis of the class femur length vs. height
- Use the right formula (in the .pdf below) to calculate your estimated height based on femur length
Identifying the bones (put in a text box on your website)
- Then use the .pdf to find the data of the victim's bones
- Answer the questions in the .pdf below
No Bones About It STUDENT.pdfAssignment
Assignment
When a body is discovered, it is important to learn as much as possible from the remains. Forensic anthropologists use mathematical formulas to estimate someone’s height from the lengths of certain bones in their body. But where do these formulas come from?
When a body is discovered, it is important to learn as much as possible from the remains. Forensic anthropologists use mathematical formulas to estimate someone’s height from the lengths of certain bones in their body. But where do these formulas come from?
Collecting class data:
Using a metric ruler, measure the length of your femur (thigh bone) in centimeters. This is the large bone that runs from your hip socket to your knee cap. Record this information in the chromebook up front
Measure your actual height in centimeters. Record this information in the table.
Part 1: Data Analysis in spreadsheet:
- Make a copy of the table for yourself
- Sort the data: Select cells to sort --> data --> sort range
- Insert chart: Select cells to graph --> insert --> chart
- Choose options to display femur length vs. height
- Use your graph to answer the following question: What relationship is there between the length of someone’s femur bone and their height?
- Add another column to your class data table. Add the header "calculated height" at the top
- Use table 2 (below) and a formula to calculate heights based on femur length. (Note: there are separate male/female equations.)
- Are the results close to your actual height? What are some possible sources of error?
- An example spreadsheet can be found here
Part 2: Solve the Mystery (pdf):
- Use table 3 to answer the following:
- Is it possible any of these bones came from the same person? Which bones?
- What is the minimum number of bodies buried at this site? What is the maximum number of bodies?
- Do all bones from the same body give exactly the same height? If not, why would the heights be different?
- Using the database, can you determine the possible identities of the people buried at the site?
- Are the heights exactly what you expected them to be? Why or why not?
- What are some possible sources of error in your identi cation?
- What other forensic tests could you do to test your deductions?
Report abuse