Crime Scene Investigation
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Objective
I can describe the steps involved in processing a crime scene.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
TED-Ed · 5:02Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by TED-Ed on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
In 1902, detectives in Paris solved a murder case using bloody fingerprints found on a shard of broken glass, marking the first time fingerprints alone were used to solve a crime in Europe.
- 2
Patent prints are left by transferable substances like blood or dirt, while latent prints are composed of water, oils, proteins, and salts that require dusting or chemical developers to be seen.
- 3
Investigators compare minor fingerprint details, such as how the ridges branch and intersect, and the spacing of oil pores, but the system isn't infallible and is prone to human error.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
10 questions
What was significant about the Joseph Reibel murder case in 1902?
Why do humans have friction ridges on their fingers and feet?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Describe the steps involved in processing a crime scene for fingerprints, including how visible, latent, and plastic prints are located and collected.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
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