Activity 3.1.3 – Forensic Scientists and
Engineers
Introduction
Television programs and even television news frequently call upon forensic
scientists to solve a crime before and during a trial. Just what is forensic science?
And surprisingly, how are engineers connected with this field? In this activity, you will
explore the field of forensics and learn how engineers play a vital role in supporting
the forensic professionals.
Equipment (per group)
 Computer
 Internet
 Display board (or construction paper)
 Microsoft office
 Scissors
 Tape or glue
 Engineering notebook
Your group may need to provide other materials depending upon your method of
presentation. (Refer to the procedure for details.)
Procedure
Your group will choose a forensic specialist from the list below and begin
researching the role of that forensic specialist. Be sure to inform your teacher of your
group’s choice.
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Forensic Scientist
Forensic Engineer
Forensic Technician
Your group will access the internet and begin answering the questions below to see
how the answers relate to your chosen forensic specialist. Make certain that each
member of your group is documenting the answers in his/her engineering notebook.
 What is forensics? Forensics is the science and art of finding and analyzing
evidence in a crime and argument with that evidence.
 What skills are required? It is important to be able to learn quickly because
technology is constantly changing. It is important to have good public
speaking skills because a forensic technician may be required to testify in a
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PLTW TM- BE – Unit 3 – Activity 3.1.3 – Forensic Scientists and Engineers – Page 1

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criminal court. It is important to work well with others because working with
a team of other technicians, investigators, ect. Extensive knowledge of the
workings of lab equipment is important.
What duties are performed? A forensic technician is responsible for
analyzing samples and determining their composition, testing bodily fluids
to determine identity, logging results of tests, making microscope
observations, and testifying in a court of law.
What education or training is required? Requirements vary per position, but
a possession of an associate’s degree in forensic science, chemistry,
biochemistry, or microbiology is preferred.
What is the area of specialization? In other words, when called to a crime
scene, what are the responsibilities of a forensic professional? At crime
scenes, a forensic technician is responsible for determining how the
evidence should be collected, taking pictures and drawing sketches of the
crime scene, keeping written notes of the position of evidence, and
cataloging evidence.
Answer the conclusion questions in your presentation.
Finally, your group will create a presentation to display the information you have
learned. You are not restricted to a particular type of presentation. You may use a
PowerPoint, or you may create a poster board display, act out a skit, write an essay,
or other creative presentations. Whatever your group chooses, be sure to clear it
with your teacher!
Conclusion
1. How does an engineer contribute to the world of forensics?
A forensic engineer investigates traffic accidents frequently, fire investigations, and
other wrongful cases. Frequently, they study components in an investigation that do
not operate as they should (for example, an airbag that doesn’t deploy in an
accident).
2. List the forensic technology created by or impacted by engineers?
Engineers helped to create a ballistics identification device, a document examination
device, various microscopes, and various investigation equipment including crime
scene lamps, dust fingerprint lifters, and a forensic evidence drying cabinet.
3. How does an engineer work with forensic scientists and forensic technicians?
Forensic engineers must report findings to other investigators, scientists, and
technicians. Technicians may gather information for the engineer and the
scientists may help to analyze that information gathered.
4. Access the following website and record notes on how to properly process a
crime scene. http://www.feinc.net/cs-proc.htm
-Interview- the crime scene investigator must interview the first officer at the
scene/ the victim
-Examine- the point of entry/ exit, the general layout of the crime scene
-Photograph- photograph evidence (overall views and evidence)
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-Sketch- the layout of the crime scene, including the layout of the victim
-Process- identify, evaluate, and collect physical evidence
5. Have fun solving case 2: “the canine caper” at CSI’s website
http://www.feinc.net/cs-proc.htm
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Copyright 2010
PLTW TM- BE – Unit 3 – Activity 3.1.3 – Forensic Scientists and Engineers – Page 3