Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation

by Carla Mooney, Samuel Carlbaugh (Illustrator)

Overview

Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation introduces students to the fascinating world of forensic science and shows them how to find clues, analyze evidence, and crack the case.

Combining hands-on activities with forensic science, kids will have fun learning about the world of forensics, evidence collection, and crime lab analysis. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars
illuminate the topic and bring it to life, reinforcing new vocabulary.

Projects include documenting a crime scene, identifying fingerprints, analyzing blood spatter, and extracting DNA. Additional materials include a glossary and a list of current reference works, websites, museums, and science centers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781619301849
Publisher:	Nomad Press
Publication date:	07/01/2013
Series:	Inquire and Investigate Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	263,524
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.33(d)
Age Range:	12 - 15 Years

About the Author

Carla Mooney is the author of several books for young readers including Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation, The Industrial Revolution: Investigate How Science and Technology Changed the World, and Explore Rivers and Ponds! With 25 Projects. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

Sam Carbaugh is a freelance cartoonist and illustrator. He has worked with many colleges and companies to create informational comics and illustrations. Sam lives in Grand Rapids, MI.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

• Dwight E. Adams, Ph.D., Director, Forensic Science Institute, University of Central Oklahoma
“This age-appropriate book is an excellent example of both the breadth of forensic science and the amalgamation of science, art, technology, and law. It provides excellent hands-on exercises to reinforce the content.”

• Clea Koff, forensic anthropologist and author
"Forensics gets at the essence of crime scene investigation. A must-read for any young student interested in how science can help solve crimes”


• Marla Conn, educational consultant
"This title is perfect! Forensics aligns to the Common Core CCR standards for reading informational texts and science/technical subjects”


• James Creecy, DNA Evidence Coordinator, Forensic Science Institute, University of Central Oklahoma
"Carla Mooney did her homework! I particularly enjoyed the experiments at the end of each chapter. As a forensic scientist, educator, and parent I am happy to recommend this introduction to the fascinating world of forensics.”

Editorial Reviews

• Booklist
"Like other titles in the Inquire and Investigate series, this book focuses on a high-interest topic in a cutting-edge field to reinforce young people’s understanding of the scientific method . . . an appealing and age-appropriate STEM resource."



• Other books in the series:


• Praise for Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound


• School Library Journal
"This overview is a STEAM advocate's delight. . . . an admirable synopsis of the multicultural history of American music."



• Praise for Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA


• Booklist
"A solid resource that shows life science and biology students the practicalities and marvels of genetics."


• National Science Teachers Association
". . .The book is written to the reader and I would use this book for a supplement if required to use a textbook. If I was not required to use a textbook, I would use this book for secondary classes. This book would be good to use with students that struggle with reading and content."



• Winner 2013 Silver Moonbeam Children's Book Award



• Bookloons.com
". . .this student directed approach to learning looks at the world of forensic science. The reader is shown how to find clues, analyze evidence and thus crack the case just the way real forensics investigators do. Carla Mooney's approach to this topic is to bring together hands-on investigation with history, science and technology as the young detectives discover how to carefully collect evidence and perform their own crime lab analysis. Designed for middle school students, the projects outlined in this book range from identifying fingerprints, analyzing blood spatter and extracting DNA, to dealing with footprints and tire tracks and finding a forged signature. With entertaining illustrations and informative Forensic Fact sidebars that offer more information about the topic, this book will not only engage the reader but also make the young person want to know more about the subject."



• Archimedes Notebook: hands-on science exploration for children and their parents
". . . This is a wonderful book, and I can't believe I let it fall to the bottom of my book review basket. Especially since I enjoy watching Bones and NCIS! . . ."



• Science Books and Films


++: Highly Recommended


This book provides the reader a with wealth of information about forensic science. The timeline and history of forensics shows how long forensic science has been a part of human society. The book thoroughly covers many aspects of forensic science, while at the same time keeping the information fun and interesting. The information is presented in a step-wise fashion, allowing the reader to understand the content, and use what is learned in different case studies. The cartoons draw the reader in, while at the same time adding an additional layer of information. Overall this book offers the reader a fun way to approach scientific investigative studies.



• Winner of a 2013 Society of School Librarians International Honor Book Award

From the Publisher

Gr 6–9—Fans of the many popular crime-scene television programs will feel right at home with this title. After an introduction to the field of forensics, the remaining six chapters look at how evidence is found, identified, and interpreted. "Fingerprints," "Blood," and "Bones and Bodies" focus on physical evidence. The last three chapters consider other types of evidence including residues and forgeries but not cybercrime. Each chapter opens with an anticipatory question. Generous side columns are filled with "Forensic Facts," explanations of forensic careers, and other miscellaneous information. Cartoon illustrations mostly fill up space and sometimes work against the text. The "Inquire & Investigate" activities that conclude each chapter are closely tied to the topic and will give readers hands-on "behind-the-scenes" experience. The instructions can get dense but are not overly technical. The most involved projects are perhaps the DNA extraction activity and the "Shoe Print Impressions." A few activities use open flames and some require readers to find their own recipes for ingredients but provide no URL suggestions. Frequent charts and occasional graphs are needed for record keeping and analysis but no examples are provided. A complete glossary explains the many forensics specific terms. The total package is worthy of consideration.—Carol S. Surges, formerly at Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI

School Library Journal