Students test their analytical skills when all of the evidence is laid on the table—and will lead our detectives to point their collective fingers at the guilty party: mystery solved! Critical thinking gets a workout in Lesson 12. As you work, remind students that what they are doing in analysis is the same sort of …
Students take a careful look at the letters each suspect wrote in the beginning of the year to see any possible connections between their interests and the classroom crime. Encourage the student investigators to take their time reading and analyzing the statements in this activity. Each statement should be read through several times. Lesson Objectives …
Lesson 11: Suspicious Statements: Means, Motive, Opportunity Copy Read More »
The case is nearly cracked when students compare strands of suspects’ DNA, and begin to close in on the real culprit. This authentic investigatory procedure explores genetic markers. Instructors are advised to read and completely understand this lesson before teaching it. DNA is a complex subject—but helping students understand it will go much more easily …
Lesson 10: Proof in Profiling: DNA Identification Copy Read More »
Does our crook have a crooked smile? Learners “lift,” classify, and compare their own lip prints in order to unlock the patterns of this unique form of evidence. This lesson is also an opportunity to discuss fingerprints, and the difference between unique evidence and conclusive evidence. Unique evidence may point to one person, but it’s …
The guilty party had no idea what they had stepped in. Students analyze shoe prints left at the crime scene to determine if any of the suspects were there. You should prepare for this lesson my making a shoe print of your own so that you have a “working example” to show to the students. …
Another form of trace evidence gets the “detective treatment” in this fascinating lesson, as learners explore the work of forensic geologists and sort through soil samples, and chart their observations in their detective notebooks! Before starting the lab, ask students to examine their own clothing and shoes to see if there’s any evidence of where …
The plot thickens as Mr. Muggs asks his students to examine the strange pattern of tire tread evidence discovered outside his window. Can you figure out who rode the getaway bicycle? This is a lesson in which you might want to practice the sequence of making tracks and recording the data so that you have …
Lesson 5: Tracking the Tires: Tread Patterns Copy Read More »
Weave together the threads of a crime in an activity that allows learners to practice a proven technique in forensic fiber analysis. Then put on your deerstalker and set your Sherlockian sights on classifying the evidence. It’s elementary, dear Watson! Have students practice using the tweezers and hand lenses before you begin the activity. Lesson …
Lesson 4: Natural or Not: Fiber Identification Copy Read More »
Don’t let our sneaky cash-snatcher get away! The plot thickens (and so do some solutions—or are they suspensions?) as students experiment with different mysterious white powders. This lesson requires some extra “set-up” before it begins. Read through the set-up instructions carefully. Lesson Objectives Conduct a solubility test to determine if powders create solutions or suspensions …
Lesson 3: Powder Power: Solutions or Suspensions Copy Read More »
Wrongdoers, beware! Learners visit the scene of the crime and use real forensic techniques (such as triangulation) to begin the search for trace evidence that will point to a thief! Use special care to keep learners out of the “crime scene” area and use the opportunity to underline how careless investigators can contaminate crime scenes. …
Lesson 2: Securing the Scene: Collecting Evidence Copy Read More »
