Banana Autopsy Lab for science use for schooling and great for children of all ages

lab

1. Banana Autopsy I can perform a mock autopsy to determine the cause of death. Banana Autopsy

2. Background Info Agenda Story of Banana Split Banana Autopsy Lab Banana Autopsy C-E-R 01 02 03 04

3. An autopsy or postmortem examination is a complete inspection of a corpse. Investigators often rely on an autopsy to help explain a decedent’s cause and manner of death. Pathologists are specialized doctors who usually carry out autopsies. An autopsy is required when the cause of death is suspected to be a criminal matter, or when the cause of death cannot be determined medically. Background Information

4. The first stage of an autopsy is an external exam of the body to search for trace evidence and to identify any wounds or markings. Next, the pathologist makes a Y incision from the shoulders to the chest, then down to the pubis. The rib cage above the heart and lungs is removed so that these and other organs can be taken out of the body, examined, and weighed. Stomach contents are also inspected to find out what was consumed last and what time it was consumed. Samples of tissues from organs are preserved and body fluids are collected. A saw is used to open the back of the skull so that the brain can be examined. Once all internal regions have been studied, the chest and abdomen are stitched up, the skull is replaced, and the scalp is sewn back in place. Background Information

5. Story Of Banana Split A story of topping rivalry

6. This is the story of two rival gangs, the Bananas and the Cherries, who are separated by their different lifestyles. Many of the Cherries have led hard lives, which makes them very tough and merciless. The Bananas are a group of wealthy, privileged teenagers that beat up the Cherries for fun because they think they are better than them. “Bananas are the superior topping!” they chant. Banana Split, a 17-year-old boy that lives with his two brothers, is the leader of the Banana gang. One day he challenges the Cherries to a fight to settle this rivalry once and for all. Story of Banana Split

7. Unfortunately, things don’t go so well for the Bananas… The Cherries are a lot tougher than they look. In fact, the kernels of cherry pits contain a chemical called amygdalin that the body converts into a toxic compound called cyanide. It is now your job as a forensic pathologist to carry out a detailed autopsy to determine the cause of death for each member of the Banana gang. Story of Banana Split

8. Banana Autopsy Lab Safety First: Take care when working with scalpels and other sharp objects.

9. Your teacher will give you a description of the victim, including their hair color, eye color, facial hair, any marks such as scars or tattoos, and cause of death. If the victim was shot, there should be bullets inside the banana. If the victim was stabbed, there should be stab wounds. Be creative but stick to the description! You will be trading victims with another group. Creating the Banana Victims

10. Materials needed: Banana “victim” Paper towel Magnifying glass Scalpel (plastic knife) Forceps Thermometer Scale Ruler Materials Take care when working with sharp objects. Do NOT horseplay. Keep equipment in the middle of the lab table.

11. As you are performing the autopsy, take pictures of your banana “victim” including: Anterior (front) Posterior (back) Trace evidence Internal Head Insert your photos on this slide. Pathology Report Click here to access a digital copy of the Pathology Report.

12. Record the victim’s name and information on the pathology report. Fill in the date and the name of the examining pathologist (you) on the report. Examine any materials on the external surface that may provide information about how this victim died. Use the magnifying glass to collect small pieces of trace evidence. Record your findings on the pathology report under “Trace Evidence.” On the pathology report, note any birthmarks, scars, tattoos, or wounds. Measure these marks (mm) and record on the report. Indicate the position of these marks on the diagram. Procedure (Part 1)

13. Using the scale, weigh the victim and record the weight. Using the ruler, measure and record the height of the victim. Make a Y-shaped incision from the area of the shoulders to the mid chest, then down to the pubic region. (See image to the right) Take the temperature of the body by gently inserting the thermometer into the victim (banana). Examine the victim internally. Record any evidence that can help you determine the cause of death, such as damage to internal organs, bruising, bleeding, or wounds. Procedure (Part 2) Example of Y-incision

14. Examine the head and record your findings. Using the scalpel, make an incision across the back of the head, on the lower part of the skull from ear to ear. Open the skull and look for further evidence to indicate the cause of death. Record any findings on your pathology report. Thoroughly clean your work area and any equipment used. Procedure (Part 3)

15. Analysis Questions What types of trace evidence did you find on the outside of the victim? How could trace evidence be useful in solving a crime? What kinds of markings did you find on the skin of your victim? How could markings on the skin such as scars or tattoos be useful in solving a crime? What did you find when you opened the body cavity of the victim? What did you find when you opened the skull of the victim?

16. Photographs Anterior Posterior Trace Evidence Internal Head

17. Banana Autopsy C-E-R Write a CER conclusion that answers the following question: “What was the cause of death for your victim?” Turn in your CER on GoFormative. Claim: What was the cause of death for your victim? Evidence: What evidence did you find during the autopsy to support your claim? Include specific evidence from your pathology report. Reasoning: Explain when, how, and why an autopsy is performed (in your own words).