Eric Rude

This is a hands-on, minds-on forensic science lab in which students explore the effects of height and angle of impact on blood spatter. Students are will create their own simulated "blood" spatter samples, collect and share data, then come to conclusions about how different heights can result in different sizes of spatter and how different angles will affect the shape of the spatter. This lab not only relates to forensic science, but also uses mathematics, graphing, and the scientific method.

This is an open-ended, student-designed lab I have done both with high school sophomores and with Advanced Placement seniors. Students are given samples of simulated "Martian" sand and must design (and perform) ways to test it for life. In order to do this, they must explore signs of life and what resources living things need.