The Murder of Laci Peterson: Forensic Anthropology and DNA Evidence – Forensic Science Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Engage your students in one of the most infamous cases in forensic science with this reading comprehension worksheet on the murder of Laci Peterson. This resource delves into the critical role of forensic anthropology and DNA evidence in identifying remains and connecting the crime to Scott Peterson. Students will explore how forensic scientists used dental records, DNA analysis, and decomposition rates to confirm identities and support the prosecution's case, giving students a clear view of how science and justice intersect.

What’s Inside:

• Reading Passage: A comprehensive overview of the forensic techniques used in the Laci Peterson case, including forensic anthropology and DNA evidence.
• Primary Source Excerpt: Testimony highlighting how forensic evidence was used to identify Laci and build the case.
• Questions & Answer Key: Thought-provoking multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions that encourage critical analysis and reinforce key concepts.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how forensic anthropology and DNA analysis aid in victim identification and case development.
• Analyze how physical evidence, including skeletal remains and DNA, are interpreted in a criminal investigation.
• Discuss the role of forensic evidence in high-profile court cases and its impact on public understanding of forensic science.

Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2: Determine central ideas of a text and analyze their development.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.4: Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words.

Suggested Courses:

• Forensic Science
• Criminal Justice
• Biology

Ideal for sparking discussions on forensic science, this worksheet is a great tool for deeper learning and critical thinking. Use it for a full lesson, homework, or sub plans to help students see the real-world application of forensic techniques in the pursuit of justice.

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