Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation

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