Blood Spatter Lab
This activity is inquiry based, meaning that you will be given less instruction than usual. The idea is for
you to learn about Blood Spatter by making your own accurate observations, measurements, and
sketches.
Blood spatter can tell you what happened during a crime. It can describe the type of weapon used; how
many gunshots, stabs, or blows that were inflicted; the sequence of injuries; the position of the victim
and assailant; whether they were moving during the attack; whether the assailant was right or lefthanded; the degree of force used by the perpetrator; whether there might be blood on the assailant;
and whether the victim was moved after the attack.
Procedure:
You will be creating a lab instruction sheet which describes detailed steps to follow which will answer
the following questions. Include a chart where you will make measurements and observations. Make
sketches to explain the procedure for that pattern.
1. What effect does release height have on the pattern of blood? You will need to have at least 3
different heights for this question.
2. How does the angle of impact affect the appearance of drops of blood? You will need to have at
least 3 different angles.
3. How can you determine the direction of travel from a blood pattern?
4. How can you determine whether an assailant is right or left-handed?
5. What would a high pressure blood spatter (such as from an artery) look like?
You will then perform your lab on butcher paper—you will cut out your blood spatter patterns and
present them to the class as evidence.