Dirty Clues

Summary
In this lesson, students compare soil samples from the tires of a truck to samples from various locations and from a pair of boots. By observing soil components under a microscope, they determine the location of the samples and solve the crime.

Objectives
• Students will observe several soil samples, describe them, and decide if two came from the same location.

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade

Excerpt
Soil can serve as valuable evidence in a criminal case. Soil at a crime scene can be transferred to other locations while on clothing or on vehicle. That is how soil can provide a link between a crime scene and a suspect.

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