Human Hair Evidence Lab

Description

Simple and fun Human Hair Evidence Lab for forensics! The purpose of this activity is to give students a chance to see hair under a microscope, to identify and recognize the various characteristics of human hair, and to experience the challenge of matching hair to a suspect. They will also gain a deeper understanding of why hair is class evidence, and the danger of improper use of hair evidence in court.

Included in the Human Hair Evidence Lab resource:

Google Slide with instructions for students for completing the lab
Student Lab Sheet
Student Lab Sheet Key
Teacher Key Template
Teaching Guide with easy to follow instructions

This activity has three parts:

Students start with analyzing their own hair
Then work to identify an unknown hair from a sample of suspects
As an extension activity, watch a 20 minute video clip (free on YouTube) about the faulty use of hair evidence. Students answer questions as they watch

Materials Needed to complete the lab:

Microscopes
Microscope slides
Clear tape for securing the hairs on the slides
Sandwich bags – at least one per student plus a few more
Gallon sized bags – one per group
Paper for making evidence bindles

Click HERE to see the full Pacing Guide and know how this resource fits into the whole Forensic Science Curriculum.

Click here to see a preview of the Human Hair Evidence resource!

Here is what some happy teachers are saying about this resource in our Teachers Pay Teachers store!

This was a great lab for my Anatomy and Physiology class to complete during the Integumentary Unit. I adapted it a little bit for a more CSI approach. – Michele P.

Great human hair lab! My juniors and seniors enjoyed doing it! – Jocelyn G.

The slides are well done. Easy to follow. I used them to build a lab activity around. Thank you for putting them together. – Lillian A.

More resources for your Trace Evidence Unit: