Education Technology

The renowned forensic anthropologist Dr. Diane France, Ph.D., D-ABFA, worked with TI to develop two TI-Nspire™ classroom activities that enable students to use simulated data and evidence to make a positive identification from a line-up of persons of interest.

The new activity, The Bandit’s Bad Hair Day, introduces students to the STEM concepts behind DNA fingerprinting in a relevant, meaningful context. By taking them through the processes for testing trace evidence, the simulation provides opportunities to learn about the structure of DNA, the use of restriction enzymes to break DNA into specific strands, how they are sequenced and what they mean.



Body of Evidence

Body of Evidence casts students in the role of the forensic anthropologist. It provides them with information from a simulated death investigation and challenges them to identify the victim from a list of missing persons. By matching interactive graphical plots of the data with the victim’s state of decomposition, the students unravel the case using the same STEM tools real-life investigators use.

Both activities include: Technology tips to help you focus the learning; student worksheets; assessments; and materials to promote classroom discussion and inquiry-based learning about the science and math.

You've never seen math and science like this before

TI-Nspire™ technology — advanced handheld calculators, innovative apps for iPad®, teacher and student software, and wireless classroom management systems — supports research-proven strategies that accelerate mastery of complex STEM concepts

See TI-Nspire™ technology in action.

Download free trial software

Try TI-Nspire™ software for free and experience this engaging STEM Behind Hollywood activity, as well as other TI-Nspire™ digital resources, by downloading a free trial of TI-Nspire™ Teacher Software or TI-Nspire™ Student Software (available for Mac® and PC platforms).

Related Math & Science Activities

TI also provides access to thousands of free classroom-ready math and science activities, designed to deepen student understanding of STEM concepts from middle school through college, at the Math Nspired and Science Nspired online resource centers.

Hot Air, Cold Body

A death investigation timeline begins when the victim started going cold. Using a Vernier EasyTemp® sensor, students will collect and model data.

View the Activity

A Killer Cup of Coffee

Cause of death: Poisoning? In this activity, students will use Beer's law to determine the concentration of a suspected substance that was put in a drink.

View the Activity

Exponential Dice

Roll the “bones,” count the dots, and find and analyze exponential decay and growth functions. This activity supports the CCSS Algebra 2 standards and Math Practices.

View the Activity

STEM Behind Hollywood proudly presents...

Earth Impact!

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Body of Evidence

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Haunted! Or Hoax?

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