Embedded Files
Introduction :
In this PBL we will be testing multiple factors and their effects on blood spattering. Blood-splattering patterns assist investigators recreate the sequence of events that occurred in the crime scene. We will conduct three tests to provide more precise results about how different factors such as, the different height objects were dropped in, and their contribution to the distinct patterns in blood splattering.
Driving question :
How do various factors, such as objects and height affect blood splatter patterns?
Hypothesis :
Various objects thrown from different heights will increase the diameter of the blood splatter.
Independent variable : Objects and height in which objects are released
Dependent variable : Released height and diameter of the blood stain
Controlled variable : The amount of blood used for each test
Procedure :
For the fake blood solution, mix 50 ML of solution of iron (III) chloride and 10 ML solution of potassium thiocyanate (repeat 3 times)
Cover the experiment area with poster paper
Section of the paper into three parts
Place the fake blood onto three paper plates and place them on top of the sectioned paper
Drop the hammer from a distance of 25 inches, 35 inches, and 45 inches
Use a ruler to measure the diameter of the blood
Record data in the journal
Repeat all the steps for the metal bar and scissors
Materials :
Solution of iron (III) chloride
Solution of potassium thiocyanate
Poster paper
Writing utensil
Paper plates
Ruler
Meter stick
Journal
Scissors
Hammer
Metal bar
Safety :
Safety goggles
Tie hair back
Apron
Gloves
Properly clean area after experiment
Make sure to properly wash hands and clean the area around you after the experiment
Here we have all of our materials used in the experiment, listed above
Here we are making the fake blood using a solution of iron (III) chloride and a solution of potassium thiocyanate
Here is what our setup looks like before conducting all 3 tests
Here we are measuring the diameter of the blood using a ruler
Here are the results after releasing the hammer from the heights of 25, 35, and 45 inches
Here are the results after releasing the metal bar from the height of 25, 35, and 45 inches
Here are the results after releasing the scissors from the height of 25, 35, and 45 inches
Discussion:
As presented above in the graph and scatter plot, we can see that for every object that was tested three times from three different heights, increased in diameter each time by 0.5 of an inch. The hammer has the heaviest object we tested, which resulted in bigger spatters around the impact area while reaching our lowest height at 25 inches. Both the metal bar and scissors didn't create much impact in the area because of their lighter weight, but still showed significant constant changes at different heights.
Conclusion:
The different height impact tests proved that different objects do create different blood spatters, which confirmed our hypothesis. Each object released from different heights created various diameter blood spatters. It was proven that the height at which an object is suspended increases the diameter of the blood spatter. In addition, this method could be used to determine the height of the criminal and can be tested with other different objects and heights.
Application and Further Research:
Blood splatter analysis is important in several areas of life, including health and economics. At this point, it is helpful in forensic investigations, helping to recreate crime scenes and giving insights into the complexities of violent incidents. However, its potential uses in the future are very promising. Improvements in blood splatter analysis may result in better diagnosis and treatment monitoring in the field of medicine. Medical professionals could learn important information about the severity and location of internal injuries by examining the patterns of blood spatter in healthcare facilities, enabling quicker and more precise therapies. Additionally, this technology might be used in epidemiology to monitor and control the spread of diseases by analyzing blood droplet patterns in medical facilities. Economically, developing automated blood spatter analysis techniques could decrease the expense and duration of forensic investigations, which would be beneficial to legal systems and law enforcement organizations. Furthermore, as the technology develops, it might find uses in sectors like medicines and food safety to guarantee the quality and safety of goods. Overall, the advantages of blood splatter analysis are likely to go far beyond its current forensic uses and provide innovative ideas for enhancing both the economy and human health.
References:
A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, B. of C. A. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/bca-divisions/forensic-science/Pages/forensic-programs-crime-scene-bpa.aspx#:~:text=Information%20that%20may%20be%20gained,possible%20mechanisms%20that%20could%20have
E., F. P. (2020). Criminology and Criminal Profiling for beginners. Independently published.
Hanson, D. (2004). Bloodstain pattern analysis: Recreating the scene of the crime. Retrieved from https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/bloodstain-pattern-analysis-recreating-scene-crime#:~:text=Bloodstain%20pattern%20analysis%20is%20a,scenes%20available%20to%20forensic%20analysts.
Joyce, P. (2013). Criminology: a complete introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
Peschel, O., Kunz, S. N., Rothschild, M. A., & Mützel, E. (2011). Blood stain pattern analysis. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21069481/
Schiro, G. (n.d.). Collection and Preservation of Blood Evidence from Crime Scenes. Crime Scene Investigator Network. https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/blood.html#:~:text=Since%20blood%20evidence%20associated%20with,preserve%20this%20type%20of%20evidence.
Wu, K. J. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/forensics-bloodstain-pattern-analysis/
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse