Dingo decision
Focus Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Discuss the Dingo decision story with another student.
What happened to the Chamberlain family on a camping trip in 1980?
Where was the family camping?
Why was Lindy Chamberlain put on trial?
What was the verdict of the trial?
What was the breakthrough that led to Lindy Chamberlain being released
from prison?
7. Why was the original investigation and trial criticised?
8. Forensic evidence used in the trial is now considered to be _______________.
9. What significant event happened to the Chamberlain’s recently?
10. How do you think the Chamberlain family would feel after the recent finding?
EPISODE 17
TH
19 JUNE 2012
Learning Area
Science
Key learning
Forensic science
Students begin by brainstorming words they associate with forensic science. What
is forensic science? What do forensic scientists do?
Students can choose one or more of the following activities
How is forensic science used in criminal investigations? What evidence is
collected and analysed by forensic scientists?
How has forensic science changed over the years? When was it first
practised in Australia and describe an early case that made use of forensic
science. Was the case solved?
What are some different areas of forensic science? Choose an area to
research and give a description of what it is and what things are examined.
Research a famous crime and highlight how DNA evidence was used to
convict the criminal (or prove an accused person’s innocence). Students
can display their research on a poster.
Fingerprints have been used in forensic science for many years. Find out
more about fingerprints by completing the experiment at the following
website http://library.thinkquest.org/trio/TTQ04047/experiment.htm
Then have a go at solving the crime
http://library.thinkquest.org/trio/TTQ04047/interactive.htm
What is a DNA fingerprint and how is it made? Take on the role of a lab
technician and create a DNA fingerprint by completing the interactive
http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/tdc02_int_creatednafp2/
Students will develop a
deeper understanding of
what forensic science is and
how it is used to solve
crimes.
 Related Research Links
ABC News – Coroner rules dingo killed Azaria Chamberlain
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-12/coroner-rules-dingo-killed-azariachamberlain/4065802
Forensic Science – Forensic science for kids
http://www.forensicscience.org/resources/forensics-for-kids/
Oracle thinkquest – Forensic science
http://library.thinkquest.org/trio/TTQ04047/interactive.htm