Get a Clue!

Introduction
A crime has been committed and the perpetrator needs to be caught.  The local law enforcement agency has located fingerprints of an unknown origin at the crime scene.  The local law enforcement agency has made the decision to secure the crime scene and turn the case over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The Special Agent in charge of the Crime Investigations/Forensic Lab Division at the FBI has received the case information.  However, there is a problem.  All agents have a full caseload and will not be available to work this investigation.  The Agent in Charge has decided to contact the Training Division and call up a team of investigators from the current Crime Investigations training class.

This is the opportunity you have been anticipating!  Now is the time to exhibit your abilities and become a member of the Crime Investigations Fingerprint Analysis Task Force.
 

Task
The new task force will consist of a three-member team.  You and your team members are going to have to convince the Agent in Charge that you are well prepared and ready to handle this assignment.  Each team will prepare a presentation for the Training Division Commander (your teacher) and a panel of field agents (your classmates).  You need to demonstrate that you are aware of the objectives of the FBI, know how to collect fingerprints and why this tool is used, and be able to identify the classifications and characteristics of fingerprints.  Your team will need to determine how to “sell” your team as the best team for the assignment.  Your presentation could contain a skit, PowerPoint, poster, demonstration, example, diagram, graphic organizer …    BE CREATIVE!!!!

Process
A crime has been committed and needs to be solved timely and efficiently.  Therefore, to get a task force team assigned quickly, each “team in training” will divide the responsibilities of the task, share the information with the other group members and create one presentation.

Team Member 1
Research information about the FBI.  The panel of judges wants to be sure that the new task force team is familiar with the agency.

Team Member 2
Investigate information about the science of fingerprinting.  You may want to include information such as:  how fingerprints are gathered and used as evidence, why use fingerprints, information needed to make a positive identification …

Team Member 3
Identify and analyze the characteristics of fingerprints.  How are fingerprints categorized?  You and your team members must know how to identify fingerprints in order to solve a crime.

1. Determine your team assignments.
2. Prepare to gather information.  Be sure you have your field notes journal to record information you collect.  (Before you begin gathering information, your team may want to review the evaluation rubric together.
3. Gather information.  Resources are provided to complete the task.  However, you are not limited to these resources.
4. After all team members have gathered the needed information, meet together and share (teach) with each team member what you have learned.
5. Discuss, ask questions, and reflect on what you have learned.   Does the team have adequate information for the presentation and to get the job assignment?  If not, determine your needs and devise a plan to continue data collection.

Remember:  You are a member of a team.  The success of the group depends on each member.  In the job assignment you are hoping to get, your ability to work with others is essential.

6. After your team is finished gathering information begin planning your presentation
7. Determine how you will present and team member responsibilities.
8. Submit your plan to the Training Division Commander (teacher) for approval.
9. Prepare your presentation, practice, and present.

Resources
“Field Notes” journal
Community resource:  local law enforcement detective
Internet sites

The Internet resources are available to all members of the team.  However, your team member number identifies the sites that may be most beneficial to your specific task.

About the FBI    (1)
What does the FBI do?    (2,1)
More FBI information   (2)
Fingerprints  (3,2)
About Fingerprints   (3)
More print information   (3)
Background information about prints    (2,3)
 

If you need additional information that you did not find in the available sites, try one of these search engines.

Marco Polo
Google
Kids' Click
 

Evaluation
Using the information gathered, your team will create a presentation for the Training Division Commander and a panel of field agents.  Your team will be evaluated on content, presentation techniques, originality, and teamwork. Click below for evaluation guidelines.

Conclusion
Congratulations!!! You have worked very hard to impress the evaluation committee and be assigned to the Investigations Fingerprint Analysis Task Force.  You have gained valuable information about the Federal Bureau of Investigation and how fingerprints are helpful in solving crimes.