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5.0 out of 5 stars
This is the perfect book for science fair projects if you are interested in crime scene forensics!, December 5, 2009
If you are trying to think of something to do for a science fair project and are very interested in things like crime scene forensics, this just might be the perfect book for you to explore. There are twenty fascinating experiments that will provide you with many ways to explore the world of crime solving. You can learn how to lift fingerprints, analyze handwriting, cast footprints, map the scene of a crime, and even learn where a piece of mail comes from by the bar code across the bottom of a letter. There are so many interesting projects in this book you'll have trouble choosing which one you'll want to do.
Each "experiment" will tell you the "lingo," what you'll equipment you'll need, an interesting vignette relative to the topic, the basic premise, how long the experiment will take you, the type of science involved (mathematics, physics, physiology, etc.), and whether or not you'll need an adult to assist you. For example, in the section "Facing the Truth" where you learn to "read split-second facial expressions," you first learn why detectives need to learn to read faces. It says there are "Forty-three facial muscles [that] are used to communicate." Then it gives you a plan of action. Do you think you can tell when someone is lying? Each experiment also gives you a very interesting website to learn more about the subject. This one refers you to a BBC science site where you can "distinguish fake and real smiles." It was a lot of fun, but I wasn't particularly good at spotting a fake.
I was totally fascinated by some of the amazing experiments in this book. Mind you this book doesn't simply lay out experiments to copy, but rather asks the student to think and explore possibilities for science experiment displays. My favorite was the DNA Necklace where you can learn to extract your own DNA. This is one experiment that a whole classroom could do as not only a lesson in microbiology and genetics, but one that would be a LOT of fun for everyone. These experiments can be conducted in a one to ten day time frame.
Many of these experiments do need some adult involvement or supervision and some skills. For example, some of the additional skills needed are the ability to use a spreadsheet program, math skills for graphing, creating a formula or determining a ratio. This is not the type of book you simply open up and everything is done for you. This is a very well written book that will give the reader hours of fun and intrigue. I would say the skill levels range from easy to medium difficulty. If you or a youngster in your life enjoy checking out the scene of the crime the scientific way, this is the perfect book for you!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Very hands on, October 13, 2009
This is an invaluable resource for kids and parents. You'll be inspired and enthused by the many easy to grasp ideas and principal--especially suitable for kids. Instead of the same old electrocuted hot dog, delve into the world of forensics and try new projects that stimulate interest and curiosity. A very hands on way to experience methods used to solve crimes.
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