Forensic Investigation Challenge
Science and Technology Team Activity
What year group(s) is it suitable for? Key Stages 3, 4 & 5
How many students can take part? Up to 45 students working in groups of 5
How long does the workshop last? This is a full-day workshop.
How much space do we need? Use of the school hall or other large space. Smaller class-sized groups can be accommodated in a classroom or science lab.
Any other requirements? The facilitator needs approx. an hour to set up prior to the start of the school day. Access to plug sockets and a presentation screen is required.
This workshop is designed to add context and enjoyment to the science curriculum, to support scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding, encourage good time management, teamwork, communication, decision making and manual dexterity through hands-on participation.
The students will spend the morning learning about and practicing techniques used by forensic specialists, and the afternoon working in teams to examine a crime scene and associated evidence, ultimately coming up with a conclusion based on that evidence.
Forensic techniques including fingerprinting, blood pattern analysis, impression casting, bone, hair, fibre, DNA and soil analysis, blood chemistry, digital forensics, and graphology may be included depending on the scenario used.
The team who have demonstrated the best teamwork and who have made the best analysis of the available evidence will be declared the winners and win a small prize.
What teachers and students are saying:
"It was a great day! The boys were really engaged throughout. We were impressed by the sheer volume of resources and the effort made to make it immersive. My only recommendation is that during the explanation at the start for all the different processes. The use of some of the bits of equipment that were with us as props in addition to the PowerPoint would have been good to see so that they were in context. But honestly, its a minor thing and it really was an amazing day! Thank you for your efforts."
"Student 1: "Yeah it was good, I really want to go into the police so it was fun to have a taster for my future career"
Student 2: "I cant believe some year 5's managed to crack the case and we didn't! I really thought it was Liam, I'm gutted because I was convinced" (he was laughing as he said this)
Student 3: "I really enjoyed looking at all the evidence and being able to actually get into the crime scene to use the skills he taught us. There were some really cool things we got
to do (when probed he said...) "the fingerprinting dusting was interesting, and using the microscopes to look at our own finger prints was so cool""
"This group thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and gained lots from taking part"
"Sam was an incredible facilitator, students and staff all commented on his knowledge and enthusiasm. We would be delighted to have him back again (soon, hopefully)"
"Year 5 boy - I didn't know that stuff was science so it was cool to know that is an option when I grow up.
Year 6 girl - I had heard of some of the stuff we did today in films and on TV but now I know what it means when they are talking about forensic science. It was brilliant and I loved it."
"Sam was brilliant. All the students had a really enjoyable time and all the teachers that were present during the sessions said it was really interesting."
"It was amazing, my best day at school"
"I enjoyed the workshop especially when we had to find who the murderer was."