Hair Analysis Kit

The hair analysis kit gives students an authentic introduction to forensic science as they analyze real hair evidence. This hands-on resource supports inquiry-based STEM learning while helping students compare, classify, and interpret samples using procedures similar to those used by forensic examiners. It also connects classroom investigation to career pathways in health science and public safety.

Build Real Lab Skills Through Evidence Analysis

This resource includes two structured experiments that guide students through forensic hair analysis using standard investigative procedures. In the first experiment, students determine whether hair samples came from humans or other animals. In the second, they compare different human hair samples to identify similarities and differences. As they prepare slides, compare known and unknown samples, and record observations, students build technical lab skills and practice communicating scientific evidence clearly.

Support Career Exploration in Health Science and Public Safety

This activity helps students explore how forensic science connects to careers in crime labs, public safety agencies, and health science fields that rely on close observation and evidence-based reasoning. By applying the same general procedures used by forensic examiners, students gain authentic exposure to workplace practices and begin to see how scientific investigation supports real-world careers. This makes the lesson especially valuable for programs that want to connect STEM instruction to CTE career pathways and workforce readiness.

Encourage Hands-On STEM and CTE Learning

The kit supports hands-on exploration by giving students opportunities to mount samples, create scale casts, and analyze species-specific cuticle scale patterns. These applied tasks promote real-world problem-solving while strengthening observation, comparison, interpretation, and data recording skills. This resource is built to inspire curiosity and helps students understand how scientific tools and methods are used in professional settings.

Includes Materials for a Ready-to-Teach Investigation

Students complete the two experiments in a total of 90 minutes of lab time. The kit includes directions and materials for mounting samples and creating scale casts, along with a flash drive of hair images, student worksheets, and a complete instruction manual. Microscopes, hairbrushes, forceps, and small plastic bags are required but not included. Accommodates 24 students. Recommended for Middle school and up.

Standards: Aligns with NGSS.

CHOKING HAZARD (1). Not for under 3 yrs.

Benefits for STEM Learning

• Supports hands-on forensic science investigation
• Builds industry-standard lab and evidence analysis skills
• Connects classroom learning to health science and public safety careers
• Promotes critical thinking, observation, and scientific communication
• Gives students authentic practice with known and unknown sample comparison
• Helps educators bring real-world STEM and CTE learning into the classroom

Bring authentic forensic investigation into your classroom with the Hair Analysis Kit and help students build lab skills, analyze evidence, and explore career-connected STEM learning.

Kit includes:

• MSDS
• USB
• Hair Samples A, B, and C
• Mounting medium
• Microscope slides
• Cover slips
• Fingernail polish
• Manual

Materials needed, but not included:

• Microscopes for each group
• Hairbrush
• Forceps
• Plastic sandwich bags
• Hair Samples D, E, and F