Facial Reconstruction, Science or Art?
Begin your Web Quest at: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/jan2001/phillips.htm
Three case studies are presented on this website, with a couple of embedded links for more info and images. Read the
three case studies and then reflect and answer the following questions.
1. The abstract states “There are numerous techniques to sculpture a face onto the skull, all of which rely on the
reproduction of a potentially recognizable face using the published soft tissue thicknesses in different racial
groups (Phillips and Smuts 1996; Rhine and Campbell 1980; Rhine, Moore, and Weston 1982; Suzuki 1948).”
Describe what you think “published soft tissue thicknesses” means, and what you would expect to find if you
looked up the references cited.
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2. In case study 1, the mother of the victim is quoted as saying "Although the sculpture does not look exactly like our
daughter, the family resemblance is remarkable,…”.
Is facial reconstruction an exact replica of the victims’ facial features? Explain your answer with details from one
or more of the three case studies.
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3. Each of the case studies mentions the forensic anthropologist estimated the age, gender, and ethnicity of the
victim based on skeletal remains. Briefly describe some of the skeletal features the forensic anthropologist may
have used to determine these estimates.
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4.
Research and explain the major steps involved in reconstructing facial features. Include the most modern
technologies that are used in this artistic process.
A Modern Forensic Case Study
Continue your Web Quest at http://anthropology.si.edu/writteninbone/forensic_files.html
Select “A Modern Forensic Case Study” from the menu of case study options and read the case study.
Summarize the skeletal evidence used in this case study to determine:
Gender:
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Ancestry:
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Trauma:
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Other Forensic Evidence:
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Your Choice of What’s Next
Examine the list of other case studies on this website and choose TWO additional case studies. Review the case studies
and summarize what forensic evidence was discovered and how it was used to solve the case/mystery.
Investigating Forensic Science
Visit the website: http://www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca/Search.do?R=VE_2273&lang=en&ex=on
Visit the “exhibit” and find some interesting information.