Forensic Hunt Lesson Plan
Forensics Clues Teachers
Forensics Intro Presentation
Forensics Scavenger Worksheet
Forensic Scavenger Hunt
Overview
In this engaging forensic scavenger hunt lesson, students step into the roles of junior detectives tasked with solving the mystery of a cookie jar missing from a teacher’s room. Equipped with essential forensic skills, including fingerprint analysis and conducting experiments like chromatography, students collaborate in teams to gather evidence from various stations strategically placed around the school. As they decipher clues and examine crime scenes, students hone their critical thinking abilities and scientific reasoning, ultimately piecing together the puzzle. This hands-on experience not only reinforces STEM principles but also fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills in an exciting and interactive learning environment.
Introduction
Subjects: • Science • Forensics • Art • Social Studies
Time: 60-120 minutes
Skills: •Basic Forensic Techniques • Observation • Critical-Thinking • Problem-Solving
Learning Objective/Goal:
- Students will understand the basics of fingerprint analysis.
- Students will learn how to observe and categorize different fingerprint patterns.
- Students will apply forensic science techniques to solve a simulated investigation.
- Students will work collaboratively to achieve a common goal.
Materials Needed:
- Clues for the scavenger hunt, scattered across an area
- "Evidence" items with pre-made fingerprints
- Worksheets for recording observations
- Materials for stations (listed below)
- Optional: Prizes for Completion
Background
In this forensic scavenger hunt, students solve the mystery of a cookie jar missing from a teacher’s room. Armed with forensic skills such as fingerprint analysis and engaging in short experiments like chromatography, they unravel clues and piece together evidence to uncover the culprit behind the disappearance.
Activity
Introduction (15 minutes):
- Briefly discuss what fingerprints are and why they are important in forensic science.
- Show examples of different fingerprint patterns (loops, whorls, arches).
- Explain the activity: a scavenger hunt where students will find and analyze fingerprints to solve a mystery.
Activity (Continued):
During the scavenger hunt (15 minutes):
- Divide students into small teams.
- Hand out worksheets for students to record their observations.
- Explain that students will need to find clues around the area and use those in conjunction with fingerprints to solve the mystery
- Provide the first clue to start the scavenger hunt.
Scavenger Hunt (1 hour suggested ):
- Students follow a series of clues to different locations around the school where they will find "evidence" items or do short investigations.
- At each location, students analyze clues they find and record observations on a worksheet
- Teams record their findings on the worksheets, identifying the patterns and matching them to potential "suspects" provided in the initial briefing.
Conclusion and Discussion (30 minutes)
- Gather all students to discuss their findings.
- Have each team present their observations and how they matched the fingerprints to solve the mystery.
- Discuss what they learned about fingerprints and the forensic process.
- Optional: Hand out prizes for participation or successful completion of the scavenger hunt.
Extra
Tips for Students:
- Pay close attention to details
- Work with your group and It may help to find a folder or hard object to bear down on when writing answers
- Keep your worksheet handy to jot down observations, clues, and any patterns you notice.
Tips for Teachers:
- Have extra volunteers ready to help with the short experiment stations
- Have students wash their hands after collecting evidence in the hallway
- Plan ahead - Designate specific areas or stations for clues
Extensions:
- Advanced Analysis: Introduce more complex forensic techniques such as dusting for prints with powder or using UV light.
- Cross-Curricular Connections: Integrate the activity with a history lesson on famous criminal cases solved with fingerprints.
Link to Presentation for students
Materials needed for Clue Stations
Materials needed for Stations:
Taking Fingerprints (Clue D)
- Pencils
- Paper
- Index cards
- Tape
Cipher (Clue F)
- Printed and assembled Cipher wheels
Chromagography (Clue I)
- Paper strips (coffee filters or chromatography paper)
- Different colored markers
- Rubbing alcohol or water
- Small cups
- Tape.
- Pencils