TY forensics

This Tuesday, our Transition Year students participated in an engaging JFK forensic fun workshop. The session began with a brief recap of the events, followed by presenter Patrick guiding the students through 10 evidence stations, explaining each one and what they were examining. Equipped with worksheets, the students spent about an hour gathering evidence. They soon discovered that there are significant questions about the official verdict! Some of the questions they explored included: Backyard photo: Genuine or not? Students had a photo opportunity to recreate Oswald’s pose with the rifle and newspapers. Fingerprints: They took their own and identified the owner of the unidentified fingerprint found on the 6th floor. Ballistics: If the magic bullet was planted, why? They learned about striations and the differences between a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver, and why this was crucial to the case. GSR (gunshot residue): They replicated the test performed on Lee Harvey Oswald and examined the original test results, uncovering a problem. Autopsy: They reviewed the official autopsy report, comparing the average human brain weight to JFK’s brain weight, and questioned where JFK’s brain is now. After gathering evidence, the students regrouped to compile their findings. They concluded the workshop with more questions than they started with! This was an enjoyable and resource-rich workshop, filled with interactive props for the students to engage with.