Mystery Through the Lens

This episode of The New Explorers joins scientist Walter McKane as he searches for answers to some modern and ancient mysteries under the microscope. The microscope reveals a world not seen by the naked eye, and can solve some of the world's most celebrated mysteries, such as the authenticity of the most famous religious relic -- the Shroud of Turin. Mystery Through the Lens would be useful for classes on Science, Criminal Justice and Religion. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

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1. Galileo was a physicist and astronomer in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. How did Galileo change the world? What were his contributions? What price did he pay for his science?

2. A microscope is a device that magnifies objects. How does a compound microscope work?

3. Walter McKane is a workaholic. What is a workaholic? Why do some people work so many hours?

4. Walter McKane is a microanalyst. What is a microanalyst? What does he or she do?

5. The Shroud of Turin is one of Christianity's most revered relics. What is the history of the Shroud of Turin?

6. The imprint of an adult male appears on the Shroud of Turin. Why have scholars and Christians believed that this was the imprint of Jesus Christ?

7. Compound microscopes can be used to solve criminal mysteries. How did Larry Peterson prove that Wayne Williams was the murderer of young boys in Atlanta?

8. Walter McKrane discredited the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. How did he do this?

9. What is carbon dating? How did carbon dating verify Walter McKane's findings?

1. Take an ordinary everyday object, such as a grain of sugar, and examine it under a microscope. How is its appearance different under the microscope? Make an illustration of the differences.

2. Research the compound microscope and create a poster which illustrates how the compound microscope works.

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