Forensic Science: Online Activities

This web site is not for the squeamish! Follow the history of forensic medicine as presented by the National Library of Medicine. The exhibition section gives definitions and explains how forensic medicine is used to determine the cause and manner of death. See how the methods used have changed through the years and learn about the new forensic science techniques being used today. The galleries provide looks at cases, biographies and artifacts. Try the online activities to see if forensic science is for you.

Examine history through 17th century bone biographies. The introductory video from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History explains what can be learned about people and history from studying human bones. Learn specific facts about some of the surviving Colonists from Jamestown. Launch the webcomic called The Secret in the Cellar to experience a bone forensic mystery from Colonial America. Archaeologists examine a recently discovered 17th century body to find clues about the life and cause of death of the person.

You just might decide to study forensic sciences after you spend some time at this excellent web site created by Rice University. The site invites you to learn forensic sciences and apply your knowledge. Click to begin Case One where you become a rookie in training. You will visit labs to pick up the tools you will need to collect evidence at crime scenes. The labs you will visit are forensic biology, toxicology, firearms and toolmarks and medical examiner. A specialist will help you in each lab.

If you are interested in learning about the scientific methods used to solve crimes, you will be fascinated by the Virtual Museum Canada exhibit on forensic science. Explore the database of information about topics such as fingerprints and toxicology, or learn about the history of forensic science as you view the timeline. You can also help Detectives Marlow and Wilson examine and evaluate the evidence related to the case when you play the interactive game.

A murder has just taken place in Montreal. Amidst the thunder, gunshots and sirens can be heard. A technician arrives at the crime scene to collect and analyze clues. Decide what should be done with each of the five clues. Which accessory or technique should be used to collect the clue? Choose whether to send each piece of evidence to the genetic, chemistry, ballistics, or fingerprint laboratory. Inside the laboratories, learn about some of the equipment used in forensic science.

A bomb has been discovered inside the back door of the Smith Federal Building, and the FBI has been called in to investigate. You can be part of the process as the examiners collect, classify, and evaluate the evidence in the case. Discover how the examiners determine whether the box contains explosives, and learn how blood is analyzed, how paint chips from a motorcycle are matched, and how handwriting samples can be matched to a sample from a suspect.