Fiber Analysis...
One of the oldest methods of identification of fibers is the dye test. There are specific dyes that only some types of fabric will take up. In other cases, the dyes will look in different colors with different types of fibers. Below is a picture of 13 different fabrics each dyed in a different "Dye Mixture" creating different colors.
Match up the fibers from Dye Mixture 1 and Dye Mixture 2 to determine the four types of fabric given and record on the document attached below.
Hair Analysis...
Besides the color of hair, there are a lot of other characteristics of human hair that can be looked at. Some hair is flat when observed under a magnifying glass and some are round. Some hair is finer and some hair is courser. Round hair tends to be straighter than oblong hair. Flat hair tends to be kinky. The forensic scientist must also be able to tell the difference between animal fur and human hair, even if the piece of material the forensic scientist has to work with is very, very small. Cat hair is usually finer than a human hair or dog hair. Dog hair can be of two different kinds. The outer coat is generally very course and often straight. The undercoat is often fine and can be very curly.
In human hair, the color of the hair can make a difference too. Generally speaking, dark hair is thicker than blond hair and red hair is the finest. But then hair that has been colored artificially can give false clues. Hair is composed of two basic layers. The inner layer contains the pigment(s). Melanin is the most common pigment in hair. The amount of melanin determines the color of the hair. The more pigment, the darker the hair. Some hair is white. It generally has bubbles in the inner layer.
You will be given 4 four human hair samples to match up using the magnifying glass. Record your answers on the document attached at the beginning of the page.