Forensic Anthropology: Talking Bones

Lab Investigation

A fascinating exploration of the science of criminal investigation!

Your students will work as forensic anthropologists within a lab to help solve a “cold” case! Forensic anthropology and toxicology analysis skills are used to solve a historical fiction scenario involving the uncovering of human remains near an abandoned settlement in Nevada. Can the recovered bones be identified? Are they linked to a 120-year old poisoning? Students perform two simulated toxicological soil assays (lead and arsenic), as well as identify the recovered bones and conduct an osteometric analysis to determine ancestry, age, gender, and stature. They then use this information to identify individuals with known traits, and possibly determine the cause of death.

Accommodates class size of 40 students.