Forensics in the Classroom
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Forensics, or Crime Scene Investigation, combines all three of the major science areas. Use the resources and lesson below to turn your classroom into the next Patricia Cornwall novel. Ask your local police agency for donations of crime scene tape or other fun novelties.
The Cafeteria Caper- The cafeteria at Park Haven H.S. was trashed, and the evidence left behind bears a suspicious similarity to the initiation rights of an underground club. Students conduct an enzymes test, as well as hair, blood and DNA analysis to find out who's responsible.
It's Magic- Who snatched Magic, the award-winning pooch, from his master's home? To find out, students perform handwriting analysis, a pH test and paper chromatography.
The Celebration- A big football victory prompts a rowdy celebration, and police are called to the scene. Students use a gunshot residue test to determine who may have fired a weapon.
The Car That Swims- How did a car get to the bottom of a river -- and who's the owner? Students use footprint casting to see through a young girl's shaky explanation and learn the solution.
Renters Beware- A makeshift chem lab, strange vials of liquid, and a greedy landlord combine to create this puzzle. To solve it, students use a flame test, a Kastle-Meyer test and fingerprint matching.
The Backpack Mystery- Someone has broken into Rachel's locker and stolen her backpack! We provide the evidence - students solve the mystery!
Identification of the Remains of the Romanov Family- Investigate the history behind this famous family mystery.
Whodunnit Unit- Great unit full of forensic basics for younger students.
Codes
Code Breaking- Adventure of the Dancing Men
DNA
DNA Extraction- Using an Onion
Fingerprinting
Chromatography
Ink Chromatography Lab
Logic
Logic Lab- The Wife Puzzle
Observation
Observation Labs- Simple games to test students' observation skills
Handwriting