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Trace Evidence is a great unit to do for even a beginning Forensic Science teacher. Most of the supplies can be obtained either very cheaply or for free, and most schools already have a class set of microscopes!
Unit Plan
Introduction to trace evidence
Notes- overview of trace evidence
Fiber notes
Fibers as evidence
Comparing Fibers microscopically
Fiber Microscope Lab
Fiber Microscope Booklet (for use in-person or remote)
Fiber Microscope Library (for remote, makeup, or students that need more time to finish)
Fiber Microscope Booklet & Library Bundle
Unknown Fiber Test - Microscope version
Burning Fibers for Fiber Analysis Lab
We can identify fibers by how they burn
Digital version of Fiber Burn Analysis Lab- Includes materials for both in-person and digital lab - good for remote learning, sub day, social distancing or lab make up
Burn Lab Bloopers - I had to use chopsticks to burn fibers because I forgot my tongs.
Fiber Evidence Summary
Druggists Fold/ Paper Bindle
Hair Notes
Hair Microscope Lab
Unknown Hair test
Click here for a list of videos that are great to use in the Trace Evidence Unit.
Links to the videos and video questions are included.
Fibers
Fibers
How to get fibers to use in class:
Ask people you know that sew for their leftover fiber scraps.
Check the scraps bin at fabric stores. This is a great way to get small pieces of the really expensive fibers, like silk.
Ask knitters for leftover yarn - this is a great way to get acrylic, wool, angora, alpaca, mohair and other interesting fibers.
Use old clothing or sheets! Old sheets or pillowcases are great sources for 100% cotton or 50/50 blends. Ask your friends to check their donation or free piles when they clean out their closets.
Thrift stores - you can buy used clothing (that's how I found angora) or look in the linens section for fabric samples.
Hairs
Hairs
How to get animal hair to use in class - mostly for free:
**Light colored hairs work best. Dark hairs are too hard to see through under the microscope.
Ask your friends for samples from their pets, or ask students to bring in samples from their pets. This is a great way to get dog, cat, bunny, hamster, etc. You'll be surprised at the interesting pets your students have! Bonus - this is a great conversation starter to get to know your students! Everyone loves to talk about pets! If you live in an agricultural community, your students can probably also get samples of cow, horse, goat & sheep!
Ask a local farmer.
Ask a local zoo - they will probably be happy to send you samples, but legally they cannot send you samples from endangered species.
Do you know anyone that is a hunter? Ask them for samples! This is a great way to get deer, elk, moose and bear hair.
Fly fishermen use animal hair for fly tying. Ask a fisherman you know, or check at a local sporting goods store. You can find some VERY interesting animal hairs this way.
Ask a conservation group or wildlife rehab facility.
Roadkill. It sounds gruesome, but I have collected hair from animals that have been hit by a car.
Local veterinarian. This is a good source for porcupine quills too!
NOTE: It is against the law to own hair from ANY marine mammal without a permit from NOAA. So even if you find a dead sea lion or seal, you cannot collect hair from it without a permit. Even if someone collects it for you, having marine mammal hair means big trouble if it's in your possession.
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