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Hunt for the Serial Arsonist

Viewing Ideas

Before Watching

1. Organize students into teams and provide each team with a magnifying glass. Have each student look at her own index finger and compare it to her partner's index finger. What are the similarities? What are the differences?

After Watching

1. Despite the use of sophisticated computer programs and investigative tools, this case was ultimately solved through traditional detective work. Although investigators can use computers to zero in on suspects, a human fingerprint analyst must make a positive identification. Initially, the fingerprint analyst in this program did not identify a match. When the fingerprint was later reevaluated, the criminal was identified. Conduct a class discussion comparing the benefits of technology and the human element in solving a crime. How important was each of these methods in solving this case?

2. Analyze the features of flame by conducting a candle demonstration similar to the one in the program. Before beginning, ask the students to answer the following questions: When does the candle begin to burn? What fuel keeps the flame burning? What happens if you light the candle upside down? What happens if you turn the candle upside down after lighting it? Light a candle using a match. Have the students watch closely as it burns. A candle begins to burn when a lit match comes in contact with the wick, which is saturated with wax. As the wax melts, it vaporizes. When the wax vapor combines with oxygen in the air, it burns. The vapor is the fuel. Finally, have students guess what will happen when you gently blow out a candle and hold a lit match an inch or so above in the trail of smoke (it relights). Ask your students why they think this happens (because the smoke contains the fuel-melted wax vapor, it is still very combustible).