Introduction
Welcome to the Fiber and Textile Web Quest for Mrs. Nkosi Forensic Science class! In this activity, you will be learning more about how fibers and textiles are useful to forensic scientists in solving crimes.
There many types of evidence that can be used to prove a suspect guilty or innocent. Some of the evidence that is used is considered circumstantial evidence. This is something that helps the investigators infer on what happened. But what many people including the people who analyze this evidence, get confused on the slight differences between fibers because of many false assumptions of what the fiber may be. This webquest will help guide you into understanding those little things that can make a BIG difference. By the end you will be able to tell a fiber from a hair without a microscope.
Task
In a Microsoft Word or Google Doc document, answer the following questions in full complete sentences or type the question and then answer. Use the online resources under the Processes tab above to get your information. You may also use your own research to complete the tasks. While there is no real minimum number of sentences for each response, you should include at least 2 and COMPLETELY answer the questions to the best of your ability to receive full credit.
- What factors determine whether fibers are transferred or detected at the scene of a crime?
- What features might a forensic examiner look for in fibers found at the scene?
3. Describe the two different classifications of fibers.
4. Make a list of at least 4 specific fibers and their properties.
5. Describe the methods of crime scene investigators use to collect fibers.
6. Name and briefly describe 4 different cases where fibers were used to help solve a crime.
7. Can a fiber be individualized to a fabric? Can a piece of fabric be individualized to a particular garment?
8. Create and describe your own crime scene where fiber and/or textiles were used to solve the crime. Must be at least one paragraph.
9. Use the following symbols to indicate the items in the pairs with the most probative value. (>, <, =)
1. Blue denim__________ white cotton 2. White cotton ________ dyed orange polyester 3. Black cotton_______ purple rayon
4. Purple wool________ natural wool
10. Submit your work on google classroom.
Process
Here are the resources you may use to answer the questions under the Task tab. You may also conduct your own research, so long as you include the website in your final Word or Google document.
http://prezi.com/gxzjfygrhm68/fibers-as-evidence/
http://quizlet.com/14555471/dhs-forensics-fibers-as-evidence-flash-cards/
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/july2000/deedric3.htm/
Evaluation
| Fibers and Textiles Web Quest Rubric | ||||
| CATEGORY | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Amount of Information | All topics are addressed and all questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each. | All topics are addressed and most questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each. | All topics are addressed, and most questions answered with 1 sentence about each. | One or more topics were not addressed. |
| Internet Use | Successfully uses suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. | Usually able to use suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. | Occasionally able to use suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. | Needs assistance or supervision to use suggested internet links and/or to navigate within these sites. |
| Quality of Information | Information clearly relates to the main topic. It includes several supporting details and/or examples. | Information clearly relates to the main topic. | Information clearly relates to the main topic. No details and/or examples are given. | Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic. |
| Mechanics | No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. | Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors | A few grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. | Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. |
| Organization | Information is very organized with well-constructed sentences and numbers. | Information is organized with well-constructed sentences. | Information is organized, but sentences are not well-constructed. | The information appears to be disorganized. |
Conclusion
You're done! Completing this Web Quest has broadened your knowledge of how fibers and textiles are used by forensic scientists and how important they can be as evidence. Pleas submit your work on google classroom.