Forensics students at Penn-Trafford High School recently completed a hands-on facial reconstruction project as part of their unit on forensic anthropology. The project, led by teacher Mr. Jim Rocco, challenged students to apply scientific and artistic skills to a real-world type of investigation.
Students were presented with a fictional scenario based on the discovery of bones during a school renovation. After studying the skeletal evidence and learning about a local historical event from the 1700s known as the “Penn Ridge Incident,” students were asked to determine whether the remains could have originated from that time period.
Using tissue depth markers, sculpting tools, and the Manchester Method of Forensic Facial Reconstruction, each student created a three-dimensional facial reconstruction. The students each presented a hypothesis on the possible identity and era of the skeletal remains.
“What we’re trying to engage students with is the understanding of how anthropology can help solve situations and answer questions,” said Mr. Rocco. “It has been used in many big cases through the years, and this project gives students a sense of how real forensic scientists approach those challenges.”
During the completion of their projects, the Forensic students met with Art teacher Mr. Griffith for his input on how to achieve accurate facial proportionality.
Maddy Longo with her project
Alanna Hall and Marley Denholm observe as Mr. Griffith adds some details to their skull project