Detective Science: 40 Crime-Solving, Case-Breaking, Crook-Catching Activities for Kids

From Booklist Gr. 4^-7. Wiese, the author of Roller Coaster Science (1994) and Rocket Science (1995), presents a series of activities related to forensic science, defined as "the study of objects that relate to a crime." The subject is divided into five areas: observing the crime scene, gathering evidence, and analyzing the chemical, biological, and documentary clues. Each chapter features a number of simple experiments that children can perform, some with adult help. The book, which is illustrated with line drawings, also suggests related activities and gives examples of how certain procedures enable detectives to solve crimes. Children intrigued by detective stories should find this an appealing source of simple science fair projects. Teachers looking for a high-interest approach to science may want to try some of the activities in the classroom. Glossary appended. Carolyn Phelan Product Description Children/Science Become a super science sleuth with . . . Detective Science 40 Crime-Solving, Case-Breaking, Crook-Catching Activitiesfor Kids Search for evidence, gather clues, and discover how science canhelp solve a mystery. From dusting for fingerprints to analyzinghandwriting, these easy, fun-filled activities give you a firsthandlook at how detectives and forensic scientists use science to solvereal-life crimes. Make a plaster cast of a shoe. Identify lip prints left on aglass. Examine hair and clothing fibers. Practice chemistry toidentify mystery substances, and much more. In no time at all, you'll be thinking like a detective andperforming experiments like a real forensic scientist! From Publishers Weekly An elementary introduction to such concepts as forensics, voice-prints and DNA testing, Detective Science: 40 Crime-Solving, Case-Breaking, Crook-Catching Activities for Kids by Jim Wiese shows how detectives and forensic experts use science to do their jobs. Through a variety of easy, at-home experiments, readers learn how to take and analyze fingerprints, identify blood and detect counterfeit bills. With black-and-white illustrations by Ed Shems. (Wiley, $12.95 paper 128p ages 8-12 ISBN 0-471-11980-6 Mar.) Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Grade 4-7?Wiese offers readers the opportunity to delve into the world of crime detection and forensic science. Through 40 projects and experiments, youngsters are encouraged to develop their skills of observation and creative thinking; investigate the scene of a crime; analyze evidence by means of chemistry; use biology to learn more about a crime; and analyze documents to solve it. Each project includes an introduction, a materials list, step-by-step procedures, questions, and an explanation. For many of the projects there is also a "More Fun Stuff to Do" section for extending the investigation. Notes on the need for adult help and safety cautions appear in bold print. Scattered throughout the text are "Detective Science in Action" inserts that relate the science principles behind an activity to its use in solving real-life crimes. Robert Sheely's Police Lab (Silver Moon, 1993) and Robert Gardner's Crime Lab 101 (Walker, 1992) also explore crime-detection methods, but the range of projects and Wiese's clear, lively writing make his book a particularly fine choice for this audience. It will be a valuable addition to collections where science activities are in demand, especially where Wiese's Roller Coaster Science (1994) and Rocket Science (1995, both Wiley) are popular.?Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CA Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. From the Publisher This entertaining and educational book lets kids experience detective work first hand. Contains 40 different, scientifically-sound, inexpensive activities children can do to explore the world of forensic science--from dusting for fingerprints and analyzing handwriting to ink chromatography and voice identification. Teaches kids the fundamentals of