Description
The Secrets of the Body Farm by National Geographic is a fun documentary that students always enjoy! The Body Farm, located in TN, is home to a few dozen donated bodies, where Forensic Scientists go to learn about human decomposition.
The video can be found free on YouTube! Search for Secrets of the Body Farm. It is forty-five minutes long. I strongly recommend you preview the video. It has a few very intense parts (decomposing bodies, maggots) that may be disturbing to younger students!
The video discusses:
- The stages of decomposition
- Some references and examples of the use of entomology in forensics
- How bodies can be found by cadaver dogs and technology
- Research being done to learn about burned bodies
- The study of saw marks on bones
- Facial reconstruction of unknown skulls to find the victim’s identity
The video can be shown as an introduction or example for any or all of these topics!
This video guide contains 25 questions that focus students on the most important points. Resource is editable, can be printed or completed digitally!
— Includes a full KEY! —
Click here to see a preview of The Body Farm Video Guide.
Here is what some happy teachers are saying about The Body Farm Video Guide:
Thank you for this resource! My students and myself loved this! – Lauren B.
My students were fascinated by this video. They are really interested in death investigation right now and had so many questions (mainly about how they can do this kind of work) after viewing the video. – Claudia W.
Used this as part of my sub plans for an unexpected, extended absence. Very easy to leave for a sub. – Julie W.
Great resource for my all-time favorite subject! -G.L.
