Forensic Science and the Heart
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Objective
I can describe how forensic scientists analyze heart-related evidence in criminal investigations.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
WIRED · 6:16Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by WIRED 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
Forensic entomologists use insects as "tiny witnesses" to help provide justice to victims by analyzing insect activity on and around a body.
- 2
The post-mortem interval, or PMI, is the time between the moment of death and the identification of a dead body.
- 3
Estimating the PMI relies on analyzing the life cycle of flies and other insects, as their development from egg to adult can be predicted based on environmental conditions such as temperature.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
12 questions
What is the main role of a forensic entomologist in a criminal investigation?
What does PMI stand for, and why is it important in forensic investigations?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Name two factors that forensic entomologists consider when estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) using insect evidence.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
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