Fakes and Forgeries
Essentials of forensic science Series
What’s inside...
Fakes and forgeries have existed since humans began creating art and written language. Laws against forgery existed in ancient Egypt, as skilled craftsmen made glass imitations of precious gemstones. Today, science has become a key partner in the battle against forgers as the techniques of forgery advance. Stamps, money, art, and historical artifacts are only a few of the objects that are commonly forged, and scientists working in forensic labs often work hand-in-hand with artists, museums, linguists, and historians to study artifacts and documents. ""Fakes and Forgeries"" looks at the modern tools of computers, printers, and scanners to create questioned documents and counterfeits. Beginning with an overview of the start of fakes and forgeries from ancient times to the present, this new volume examines the art of analyzing evidence - from lottery tickets and voting ballots to stamps and envelopes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-18
Length
108 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think people create forgeries, and what impact do you believe this has on society?
How do experts identify a fake from a real artifact, and what specific techniques or clues do they look for?
What do you think would be the hardest part about being a detective trying to uncover forgeries?
If you had the skills, what famous artwork would you want to try and recreate, and why?
How does knowing the truth about something affect its value or the way people perceive it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate conversations by asking about your child's favorite part of the book and what they found most surprising about the world of fakes and forgeries.
Encourage your child to think critically by discussing the ethical implications of creating and selling forged items.
Share real-world examples of famous art forgeries and discuss their historical and cultural impact to provide context to the book's themes.
Create a fun activity by challenging your child to create their own 'forgery' of a simple family drawing and discuss the skills they used to mimic another's style.
Stimulate empathy by discussing the feelings of artists who have had their work forged, and the buyers who were deceived.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of authenticity
Explanation: This book unpacks the complex world of fakes and forgeries, emphasizing the value of original and genuine items.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing authenticity in their work and interactions, learning to appreciate the originality in others and themselves.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: Readers are encouraged to think critically about how to tell real from fake, and the consequences of deceit.
Real-World Application: This skill can be applied in academic settings or personal interactions where they need to assess the credibility of information.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: The book highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved with fakes and forgeries, prompting readers to consider the moral implications of such actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to evaluate their decisions based on ethics, which can help them navigate complex situations in school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of diligence
Explanation: The process of identifying fakes and forgeries requires meticulous attention to detail, demonstrating the importance of diligence.
Real-World Application: Kids can utilize diligence in their studies and daily tasks, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy in their work.
Example Lesson: Consequences of dishonesty
Explanation: Through various examples of forgeries, the book illustrates the negative outcomes that dishonest behavior can lead to.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of honesty and the potential consequences of lying or cheating in real-life scenarios.