Whose Fingerprints Are These?

May 1, 2010
Gr 4-6-In each book, an introduction includes an overview of the scientific method and safety guidelines; five reproducible experiments; and several supplementary ideas to test. Most of the projects use common household items. In "Bones", for example, the recipe for "blood" calls for warm water, red food coloring, and sugar to thicken it. Readers may test how angles affect the spatter pattern of blood. When an experiment uses chemicals, "an adult" is listed under "things you will need." Steps are precisely numbered, and "Who Dunnit?" scenarios are posed for practical application. Brief biographies and factual asides are sprinkled throughout. Sections are distinguished by brightly colored borders. These books are more accessible for beginners and half the size of the "Forensic Science Projects" series (Enslow), and contain more visuals."Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD"

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July 1, 2010
Following an introduction to detection (Crime), Gardner covers the basics of forensic handwriting analysis and ink chromatography (Document); anthropology and ballistics (Bones; and fingerprint, lip-print, and bite mark analysis (Fingerprints). Each chapter of these serviceable volumes contains ideas for science experiments (some of which are only marginally related to the book's subject); sidebars offer case studies and "Who Dunnit?" puzzles to solve. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

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