How can forensic science activities engage students in learning. What are some hands-on activities for different grade levels. How do these activities foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. What safety precautions should be considered when conducting forensic science experiments.
Engaging Elementary Students in Forensic Science
Forensic science activities can captivate young minds and introduce them to the fascinating world of scientific investigation. For elementary school students (grades K-5), the focus is on developing observation skills, understanding basic forensic concepts, and cultivating scientific curiosity.
Fingerprint Fun: Uncovering Unique Patterns
One of the most intriguing activities for young forensic enthusiasts is fingerprint analysis. By learning how to dust for fingerprints, students can discover the uniqueness of their own patterns and those of their classmates. This activity not only teaches them about an essential forensic tool but also helps them understand the concept of individuality.
To make this activity more accessible for younger students, consider using washable ink pads. This modification ensures easy cleanup and reduces the risk of staining clothes or surfaces.
Mini Crime Scene Sleuths: Developing Observational Skills
Transforming the classroom into a mock crime scene can be an exciting way to engage young detectives. This activity challenges students to observe, document, and analyze intricate details, sharpening their critical thinking skills in the process.
For younger students or those with special needs, simplifying the crime scene can make the activity more manageable while still providing valuable learning experiences.
Shoe Print Spies: Uncovering Hidden Clues
Analyzing shoe print patterns at a simulated crime scene introduces students to the importance of trace evidence in forensic investigations. This activity guides them through comparisons and pattern analysis, teaching them the significance of seemingly simple clues in solving mysteries.
For students with limited motor skills, using pre-made shoe print templates can make the activity more accessible while still conveying the core concepts.
Mysterious Powder Mania: Introduction to Chemical Analysis
Embarking on a captivating adventure with household powders allows students to step into the shoes of forensic chemists. By identifying mysterious substances, they learn the basics of chemical analysis in forensics while fostering their scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills.
It’s crucial to prioritize safety during this activity. Ensure that students wear gloves and goggles while handling substances, even if they are common household items.
Advancing Forensic Skills in Middle School
As students progress to middle school (grades 6-8), forensic science activities can become more complex, focusing on enhancing observation and analysis skills, exploring various forensic techniques, and developing an understanding of real-world applications.
Chromatography Detective: Unraveling Ink Mysteries
Delving into the world of chromatography, students can separate ink colors in a mysterious note. This activity teaches them about the importance of ink analysis in solving cases while fostering an appreciation for the science behind everyday items.
To accommodate students with limited motor skills, provide pre-cut filter paper strips for the chromatography experiment.
Bone Identification Quest: Exploring Forensic Anthropology
Introducing students to forensic anthropology through the examination and classification of various animal bones can be a fascinating experience. This activity teaches them to analyze skeletal features and understand the crucial role bones play in uncovering the past.
For students who need additional guidance, providing labeled bone replicas can make the activity more accessible while still conveying the core concepts.
Document Examination Expedition: Detecting Forgeries
Equipping students with magnifying glasses and UV lights for a document examination activity can be thrilling. This exercise encourages them to analyze subtle differences and discover how keen observation can crack even the toughest cases.
To accommodate students with visual impairments, provide enlarged copies of documents for easier examination.
Arson Investigation Adventure: Understanding Fire Forensics
Exploring the world of fire forensics by analyzing simulated fire patterns can help students understand the cause and origin of fires. This activity teaches the importance of fire investigation in solving arson cases while emphasizing proper safety precautions.
For safety reasons, use images or videos of fire patterns rather than live demonstrations when conducting this activity.
Advanced Forensic Techniques for High School Students
High school students (grades 9-12) can engage in more sophisticated forensic science activities that develop advanced analysis skills, demonstrate practical applications, and explore various forensic career paths.
DNA Extraction Extravaganza: Unveiling Genetic Evidence
Extracting DNA from fruits or vegetables can captivate students and demonstrate the process used in forensic labs. This activity showcases the crucial role genetic evidence plays in solving crimes and introduces students to advanced forensic techniques.
Safety is paramount when conducting DNA extraction. Ensure that students wear gloves and goggles while handling chemicals and materials, even if they are common household items.
Ballistics Gel Bonanza: Understanding Projectile Impact
Creating ballistics gel and demonstrating the effect of projectiles on different materials provides students with a hands-on understanding of the science behind ballistics. This activity illustrates the impact of ballistics analysis on forensic investigations and introduces students to a specialized field within forensic science.
For students with allergies, use non-toxic, pre-made gelatin or silicone molds as an alternative to traditional ballistics gel.
The Benefits of Forensic Science Activities in Education
Incorporating forensic science activities into the curriculum offers numerous benefits for students across all grade levels. These hands-on experiences not only make learning enjoyable and interactive but also foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific curiosity.
Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Forensic science activities challenge students to think critically and analytically. By examining evidence, forming hypotheses, and drawing conclusions, students develop essential skills that are valuable in many areas of life and future careers.
Promoting Interdisciplinary Learning
Forensic science incorporates elements from various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. This interdisciplinary approach helps students understand the connections between different fields of study and how they apply to real-world situations.
Encouraging Scientific Curiosity and Exploration
Engaging in forensic science activities sparks curiosity and encourages students to ask questions, explore scientific concepts, and seek answers. This curiosity-driven approach to learning can foster a lifelong interest in science and scientific inquiry.
Safety Considerations for Forensic Science Activities
While forensic science activities can be exciting and educational, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when conducting these experiments in the classroom.
Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Ensure that students wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats when handling chemicals or biological materials. This precaution not only protects students but also teaches them about proper laboratory safety practices.
Safe Handling of Materials and Equipment
Teach students how to safely handle laboratory equipment and materials. This includes proper techniques for using microscopes, pipettes, and other scientific instruments, as well as guidelines for handling potentially hazardous substances.
Proper Disposal of Materials
Instruct students on the correct methods for disposing of materials used in forensic science activities. This may include separating chemical waste, properly disposing of biological materials, and following local regulations for waste management.
Adapting Forensic Science Activities for Diverse Learners
To ensure that all students can participate in and benefit from forensic science activities, it’s important to consider adaptations for diverse learners.
Modifying Activities for Students with Physical Disabilities
For students with physical disabilities, consider modifying activities to accommodate their needs. This may include providing specialized equipment, adjusting workstation heights, or offering alternative methods for completing tasks.
Supporting Students with Learning Differences
Students with learning differences may benefit from additional support during forensic science activities. This could include providing written instructions, breaking tasks into smaller steps, or offering extra time to complete activities.
Addressing Language Barriers
For students who are English language learners, consider providing translated materials, visual aids, or partnering them with bilingual peers to ensure they can fully participate in and understand the activities.
Integrating Technology into Forensic Science Activities
Incorporating technology into forensic science activities can enhance the learning experience and prepare students for modern forensic practices.
Virtual Crime Scene Investigation
Utilize virtual reality or interactive online platforms to create immersive crime scene investigations. This approach allows students to explore crime scenes safely and practice their investigative skills in a controlled environment.
Digital Forensics Activities
Introduce students to the world of digital forensics through activities that involve analyzing digital evidence, such as recovering deleted files or examining metadata. This helps students understand the role of technology in modern forensic investigations.
Using Forensic Databases and Software
Teach students how to use forensic databases and software tools similar to those used by professional forensic scientists. This can include fingerprint matching software, DNA analysis programs, or ballistics comparison tools.
Connecting Forensic Science Activities to Real-World Applications
To make forensic science activities more relevant and engaging, it’s important to connect them to real-world applications and career opportunities.
Exploring Forensic Career Paths
Introduce students to various forensic career paths, such as forensic pathology, digital forensics, or forensic psychology. This can help students understand the diverse opportunities available in the field and how their classroom activities relate to professional practice.
Analyzing Real Case Studies
Incorporate real case studies into forensic science activities to demonstrate how forensic techniques are applied in actual investigations. This helps students understand the impact of forensic science on criminal justice and society.
Inviting Guest Speakers
Arrange for forensic professionals to visit the classroom or participate in virtual sessions. This gives students the opportunity to learn from experts, ask questions, and gain insights into the day-to-day work of forensic scientists.
By incorporating these engaging forensic science activities and considering the various aspects of implementation, educators can create a rich, immersive learning experience that sparks curiosity, develops critical thinking skills, and inspires the next generation of forensic scientists.
12 Fascinating Forensic Science Activities For Kids
Forensic science activities are an excellent way to engage students in learning while sparking their curiosity in various scientific fields. These hands-on activities foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific curiosity- making learning enjoyable and interactive for students of all grade levels. In this article, we present a range of exciting forensic science activities that can be easily incorporated into your classroom; helping you foster an immersive, educational experience for your students.
Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Learning Objectives: Develop observation skills, understand basic forensic concepts, and cultivate scientific curiosity.
1. Fingerprint Fun
Ignite curiosity by showing students how to dust for fingerprints and then prompt them to marvel at their unique patterns. Dive into the fascinating world of fingerprint analysis and let young minds uncover the secrets of this essential forensic tool.
Modification: Use washable ink pads for younger students.
Learn More: Kcedventures
2. Mini Crime Scene Sleuths
Transform your classroom into an intriguing mock crime scene- urging young detectives to observe, document, and analyze the intricate details. Watch as they sharpen their critical thinking skills and learn the importance of careful observation in solving mysteries.
Modification: Simplify the crime scene for younger students or those with special needs.
Learn More: Poet Prints
3. Shoe Print Spies
Unravel hidden secrets in shoe print patterns at a simulated crime scene; letting students experience firsthand the value of this evidence in forensic investigations. Guide them through comparisons and pattern analysis whilst teaching them the significance of seemingly simple clues.
Modification: Use pre-made shoe print templates for students with limited motor skills.
Learn More: Teaching Displays
4.
Mysterious Powder Mania
Embark on a captivating adventure with household powders as students transform into forensic chemists and identify mysterious substances. Teach them the basics of chemical analysis in forensics while fostering their scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Safety Note: Ensure students wear gloves and goggles while handling substances.
Learn More: Teach Me Mommy
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Learning Objectives: Enhance observation and analysis skills, explore various forensic techniques, and develop an understanding of forensic science applications.
5. Chromatography Detective
Delve into the vibrant world of chromatography as students separate ink colors in a mysterious note. Teach them the importance of ink analysis in solving cases while fostering an appreciation for the science behind everyday items.
Modification: Provide pre-cut filter paper strips for students with limited motor skills.
Learn More: Web Innate
6. Bone Identification Quest
Let students explore the captivating realm of forensic anthropology by examining and classifying various animal bones. Teach them to analyze skeletal features and understand the crucial role bones play in uncovering the past.
Modification: Provide labeled bone replicas for students who need additional guidance.
7. Document Examination Expedition
Equip your students with magnifying glasses and UV lights and send them on a thrilling mission to investigate altered or forged documents. Encourage them to analyze subtle differences and discover how keen observation can crack even the toughest cases.
Modification: Provide enlarged copies of documents for students with visual impairments.
8. Arson Investigation Adventure
Delve into the fascinating world of fire forensics by analyzing simulated fire patterns to determine the cause and origin of a fire.
Teach students about the importance of this field in solving arson cases while emphasizing proper safety precautions.
Safety Note: Use images or videos of fire patterns rather than live demonstrations for safety purposes.
High School (Grades 9-12):
Learning Objectives: Develop advanced forensic analysis skills, understand the practical applications of forensic science, and explore various forensic career paths.
9. DNA Extraction Extravaganza
Captivate students with the wonders of DNA as they extract it from fruits or vegetables. Demonstrate the process used in forensic labs and show them the crucial role genetic evidence plays in solving crimes.
Safety Note: Ensure students wear gloves and goggles while handling chemicals and materials.
Learn More: Explore UT
10. Ballistics Gel Bonanza
Create ballistics gel and demonstrate the effect of projectiles on different materials; providing students with a hands-on understanding of the science behind ballistics and its impact on forensic investigations.
Modification: Use non-toxic, pre-made gelatin or silicone molds for students with allergies or sensitivities.
Learn More: Youtube
11. Fiber Forensics
Analyze various fabric fibers under a microscope to determine their origin; immersing students in the intricate world of fiber forensics. Encourage them to explore the significant role that fibers play in solving crimes- from clothing to carpet fibers, your students will explore them all!
Modification: Provide pre-mounted fiber slides for students with limited fine motor skills.
Learn More: Study
12. Handwriting Analysis Adventure
Examine different handwriting samples and challenge students to identify the author of a suspicious note. Teach them the importance of handwriting analysis in forensic investigations and how this skill can reveal hidden secrets.
Modification: Provide handwriting analysis worksheets for students who need additional guidance or practice.
21 Fun Forensic Science Activities for Kids
Once in a while, we are asked to review a book and possibly blog about it. Forensics for Kids: The Science and History of Crime Solving with 21 Activities, written by Melissa Ross, is one of those books. This forensic science book is the inspiration for this post. It is a book that we know you will want to add to your classroom and/or home library!
What is Forensic Science?
In a nutshell, forensic science is using science to solve crimes. Forensic scientists use science to find, collect, and analyze evidence that can be used in court.
Why We Like This Book
The author, Melissa Ross, is a former junior and senior high school teacher. She has a good sense of what teachers and kids are interested in.
The book starts with a timeline of forensic science dating from 44BC to the modern day. Each of the 21 activities she has in her book has a historical component to it, which lends itself perfectly to integrating reading and science.
However, you can also jump right into the experiments! Each experiment has a list of needed materials and step-by-step directions for completing it.
Two Forensic Science Activities Straight From the Book
(permission granted by Bianca Maldonado, assistant publicist)
Did you know that everywhere someone goes, they leave evidence? It might be a fingerprint, a strand of hair, microscopic bits of skin, or bodily fluids. These are the types of evidence that help forensic scientists solve crimes.
Collecting Fingerprints
What You’ll Need:
ink pads
white index cards
olive oil
baby powder
old make-up brush
dirt
tempera paint
tape
How to Collect the Evidence (Three Different Ways)
- Press your thumb onto the ink pad, then carefully press it onto a white index card.
- Press your thumb into a thin layer of tempera paint, then press it onto an index card. Press it several times until you get the clearest possible print.
- Lightly coat your thumb with olive oil until your thumb feels slightly greasy. Carefully press your thumb onto a mirror or glass. Try to keep it as still as possible while removing it. Lightly dust the greasy print you just left with baby powder and let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, use the tape to try and “lift” the print from the glass or mirror. Keep the tape from moving around as you press it onto the print, then lift it off.
Classifying Fingerprints
Now that you have gathered your prints see if you can classify them. Fingerprints are classified into three major groups. Using a magnifying glass, examine your fingerprints. Compare them to the images above and classify yours.
Toolmark Examiner
“A tool examiner analyzes marks made on surfaces at a crime scene. Perhaps a window was pried open with a tool. An examiner can discover what kind of tool made the mark and sometimes even trace it to one unique tool. In this activity, you are the tool examiner who will test indented marks, abrasion marks, and hard surface marks.
”
What You’ll Need:
Styrofoam plates
small piece of wood
cardboard
Phillips-head screwdriver and flathead screwdriver
a large screw
pliers
wrench
magnifying glass
Procedure
- Lay out the wood, cardboard, and Styrofoam.
- Make three test scratches on each surface at a time using the screwdrivers, screws, pliers, and wrench. First, make an abrasion mark by lightly scratching the surface with each tool.
- Next, make a cutting mark by pressing the tool across the surface.
- Finally, make an indentation mark with each tool by pressing the object into the surface; try pressing the sides of the tool into the surface as well as the point of the tool.
- Allow some friends to examine the marks with magnification. See if they can determine which tool made each mark and explain why they made the choices they did. How accurate were they?
From this small sampling, you can see that kids would be engaged in these activities.
There are also so many ways you can use them. The setup can be done by you or students ahead of time. Small groups of students can set up stations and have others rotate through them, etc.
Additional Forensic Science Activities
This video is appropriate for upper elementary, middle school, and beyond students. It does a good job of explaining forensic science. You might want to show it as an introduction.
This website, Kids Ahead, offers crime scene investigations.
So if you have kids that love mysteries, watch CSI (crime scene investigations), or just love science, try some of the investigations in this book!
And remember, it’s all science!
“FSA” – “serious games” for criminalists
The Astrakhan company “Fundamental Systems of Analysis” (abbreviated as “FSA”) is an example of a startup that came to the attention of system integrators after it took its place in the market.
Since 2012, FSA has been focusing on Serious Game: Simulation-based Learning — interactive simulators, virtual simulators — tools for effective training, work, e-learning for investigators, forensic experts, law students .
— In May 2015, the Skolkovo Foundation assigned our company the status of a “Participant”. And although by this time we had presented three ready-made solutions on the market, and the circle of users consisted of more than a hundred organizations throughout Russia, but for the company as a whole, and for me, in particular, the Skolkovo solution is very important, – recognizes the director of FSA Farkhad Ashimov, is a high assessment of our current work and our promising projects.
“The idea to develop a solution for criminologists appeared, one might say, by accident, but it often happens,” says Farkhad, “we, at that time, designers, were approached by representatives of the Office of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Astrakhan Region with a request to make a voluminous plastic layout of an apartment with interior items, evidence and other things to teach methods of conducting an inspection of the scene and collecting evidence.
Having assessed the shortcomings of “physical” layouts in principle – labor costs, wear and tear, static nature – we proposed to create a similar model, but for a computer – a virtual 3D model of an apartment: cheaper, more durable, and, most importantly, more dynamic. In the course of implementation, the idea was supplemented with various details. Need different scenes (“locations”)? Needed. Do you need different tools for collecting evidence (UV lamp, fingerprint brush, etc.)? Needed. Do you need to separate modules for editing and for learning? Need to. Do you need the ability to simulate, rearrange the scene (place and hide evidence) to complicate the task or better match real events? Need. And so on”.
This is how the idea turned into a well-developed and richly varied solution that reproduced investigative actions in real time and with great freedom of action.
In 2012, a beta version of a software product called “Situational Builder: Training Complex” was created for investigators.
In 2013, the finished product “Virtual inspection of the scene of the incident” on the graphics engine (Unity) entered the market, and the first hundred licenses were distributed to 50 regions of Russia. In 2014, the company was already working on expanding the line by releasing “Virtual Search (Seizure)”, “Virtual Inspection of the Fire Site”. It was possible to expand the circle of users: the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, universities (not only higher professional, but also additional education, as well as advanced training). For example, the territorial Directorates of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, forensic centers of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov, Moscow State Law Academy. O.E. Kutafin, Russian State University of Justice, Crimean Institute of Law and other organizations.
Currently, FSA products, as highly effective custom solutions for 3D modeling, visualization and virtualization of actions and various situations, incidents and incidents, are positioned in the Serious Games market segment.
The global market for serious games, according to Ambient Insight Research, is growing annually by 18% and will reach almost $9 billion by 2017.
market segment of services and solutions in the field of forensics and forensics: everything that is commonly referred to as the “Forensic Market”, but, in particular, the niche “Crime Scene Investigation” (CSI), associated with modern methods of collecting, fixing and analyzing data from the scene. In this direction – solutions for fixing, collecting data from the scene and their further analysis, modeling, “virtualization”.
Since 2014, FSA, in cooperation with the Main Directorate of Forensic Science of the Russian Investigative Committee, has been developing a solution for mobile devices that will improve the efficiency of investigators directly at the scene with the working title “Reconstruction”.
Farhad is convinced that his solution has good prospects for development. “FSA” plans to develop such algorithms that will allow the data collected by a mobile device to be transferred to a PC in interactive simulators and simulators for their subsequent analysis and “virtualization”.
Then, in realistic 3D models, it will be possible to compose and “play” various versions of events based on real data, set up investigative experiments, create demonstrations for the court, and much more.
It is worth supporting the company in the direction of their development, especially since the use of interactive technologies for forensics in the foreign market is supported by a significant contribution of investors.
In 2013, the startup Siamese Systems (Canada) raised $600 thousand at the seed stage for a mobile solution for automating the work of forensic scientists, in 2014 another $1.4 million (seed), and in 2015 ( A-round) – another $4.0 million (including from Motorola Solutions Venture Capital), the total amount of investments raised was $6 million. Now this solution is known as SceneDoc.
In 2014, FARO Technologies, Inc. (one of the world leaders in the production of 3D scanners and special software) bought The CAD Zone, Inc. (solutions for modeling, data visualization and reconstruction of accident and incident sites).
The amount of the transaction was not disclosed, but, according to indirect estimates, it could be several tens of millions of dollars. FARO expects to expand its share of the rapidly growing Forensic Market, which is projected to grow from $8 billion to $17 billion by 2019. FARO expects $300 million in additional revenue from sales of a new end-to-end solution (3D scanning – 3D modeling) $
Work with schoolchildren and students
The main task of the department is to educate students. The creative atmosphere prevailing at Moscow University as a whole makes it possible to fully implement the methodological arsenal.
Extracurricular work is differentiated in relation to representatives of junior and senior courses. It includes visits to forensic museums; watching thematic videos; interactive games, meetings with practitioners; participation in the work of the scientific student circle and annual scientific student conferences, in the meetings of the club of criminologists, which unites students and graduates of the department.
Scientific problem groups of students are created at the department, separate elective courses are taught for students specializing not only in the department of criminology, but also in other departments of the faculty.
Scientific student circle “Criminalistics for all”
Since 2014, the leadership of the circle of criminology has been carried out by the assistant of the department Kryukova Evgenia Sergeevna ([email protected]), who replaced E.E. Tsentrova, Z.G. Samoshin, A.A. Dzhumanbetov. Scientific problem groups of students are created at the department, separate elective courses are taught for students specializing not only in the department of criminology, but also in other departments of the faculty. See about the work of the circle in 2014-2021:
- Forensic Club in 2014
- Criminology Club in 2015
- Criminology Club in 2016
- Criminology Club in 2017
- Forensic Club in 2018
- Forensic Club in 2019
- Forensic Club in 2020
- Forensic Club in 2021
- Forensic Club in 2022
Student activists of the Faculty of Law of Moscow State University take part in the international film festival of student films on criminalistics “Golden Footprint”, organized by the Novosibirsk Law Institute (branch) of Tomsk State University, the Public Council of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Novosibirsk Region, the Novosibirsk Regional Branch of the Association of Lawyers of Russia.
“Serial CrimClub”
Since 2017, within the framework of the NSC, there has been a scientific discussion club dedicated to the study of serial murders from the point of view of forensic science, criminology, psychology, etc. (“Serial CrimClub”). The scientific director of the club is an assistant of the department of criminology, a specialist in the study of serial murders Kryukova Evgenia Sergeevna, the head of the club is a student Evgenia Mukhina.
Subsection “Criminalistics” of the international conference “Lomonosov”
Every year, within the framework of the section “Jurisprudence” of the international scientific conference of students, graduate students and young scientists “Lomonosov”, a subsection of criminology works (usually the meeting takes place in mid-April). The jury of the subsection includes teachers and the most active graduate students of the department.
See the work of the subsection in different years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012 (1) and (2).
Criminal Law Section of the Evolution of Law Conference
The conference is held every year in early October. The jury of the section includes teachers and the most active graduate students of the department.
Participation of the Department in the All-Russian Festival of Science
For more than five years, the Department of Criminalistics has been participating in the All-Russian Festival of Science, demonstrating the capabilities of forensic technology and conducting special lectures.
See e.g. here and here.
Working with schoolchildren
The Department of Forensic Science participates in open days, telling about the history of the department, presented curricula, scientific research, demonstrating the possibilities of forensic technology. The department proceeds from the need for constant strategic cooperation with schools, holding presentations of the department, participating in additional education for children, inviting schoolchildren to joint events.
