Part I – A Walk in the Park
It is a gorgeous fall day and people are enjoying it by bicycling, hiking, and picnicking at Itasca State Park. The day’s mood changes however when you receive a phone call from the local sheriff’s office asking your forensic anthropology team to come out to the state park.
“A hiker found some bones near Lake Itasca and wants us to come out and identify them. We’re wondering if these are the three brothers who disappeared last summer. Can you help us?”
You tell them that you’ll be there as soon as possible and quickly place a few calls to other members of your forensic team. You load your SUV and drive over to Itasca State Park to meet your colleagues and investigate the situation.
Write answers to the following questions in your notebook:
- 1. What questions do you want to answer at this scene?
- 2. What data will you collect and how?
- 3. What equipment will you pack in the vehicle?
Now share your answers with members of your group and tell me:
- 4. Did you get the same answers as other group members? Why or why not?
After discussing this as a whole class, go to Part II.
Date Posted: July 02, 2009.
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