Assignment Instructions
Bloodstain pattern analysis
Materials Needed
Corn syrup
Red food coloring
Water
Disposable plastic pipette (optional)
Large piece of smooth cardboard
White butcher paper or white printer paper
Ruler
Instructions
Prop a smooth piece of cardboard (or other rigid surface) on a stack of books until the angle formed with the floor is 20 degrees. Tape a sterile piece of printer paper or butcher paper on top of the cardboard.
Dispense a single drop of simulated blood from a height of approximately 24 inches via a disposable pipette or off the tip of your finger. If you are using a disposable pipette, be mindful of air bubbles which will distort your blood droplet.
Carefully remove the paper and photograph your bloodstain. Be sure to include the use of a scale (ruler). Repeat procedure at 48 inches.
Next, change your incident angle to 70 degrees and repeat blood drops at 24 inches and 48 inches.
Next, change your incident angle to 90 degrees and repeat blood drops at 24 inches and 48 inches.
Photograph your stains.
You are required to write an essay discussing your results. You will also discuss how bloodstain evidence is documented and how bloodstain patterns are analyzed in order to assist investigators in reconstructing the crime scene. Please include your photographs at the end of your essay.
Your essay should be 2-3 pages in length, written in APA 6th edition format and include at least two references.
