NO BONES ABOUT IT
CSI: The Experience
PROBLEM:
Unfortunately, the bones were heavily damaged by the construction equipment. The bones have all been mixed up, and several have been crushed. However, we think you can use the bones that are left to:
1) determine how many people were buried at this location
2) determine the heights of the different individuals.
Classroom Measurements
- Using a metric measuring tape, measure the length of your femur (thigh bone) in centimeters. This is the large bone that runs from your hip socket to your knee cap. Record this information on your table.
- Have a partner measure your actual height in centimeters. Record this information on your table.
- Collect the same information (femur length and height) from five other classmates.
- Leave the "calculated height" row blank for now.
Use your graph to answer the following question:
What relationship is there between the length of someone's femur bone and their height?
Formulas for Calculating Height
However, the relationship between the length of these bones and a person's height is different for men and women, and for people from different races. The table below lists the equations forensic anthropologists use to estimate a person's height based on the femur.
Use the table to fill in the "Calculated Height" row on your table for all six people.
THE FOLLOWING LEARNING EXPERIENCES ARE TO BE COMPLETED ON YOUR OWN.
ANALYSIS OF BONES FROM CONSTRUCTION SITE
Then answer the questions on your handout below the table.
Using the database below and the information calculated on your table, answer the questions on the back of your handout to determine the possible identities of the missing persons.