I have run this activity a couple of times now for science week (across different schools) and it's been a huge hit both times.
It takes weeks to begin prepping with bringing in a teddy and having everyone get to know the bear in the school. Then, he gets STOLEN! Thankfully there's lots of evidence left behind and 3 suspects identified.
Students go through the evidence left to narrow down who the thief was in an attempt to retrieve the teddy. Can they do it?!
As soon as the students enter the school and see the missing you hear the theories begin. Once they've heard some evidence, their theories continue. Once they've looked through the crime scene, they lock in. This activity has students engaged from the time they step into school grounds right through the week, thinking and reasoning scientifically without even realising.
It's a lot of fun for all students and teachers as the enthusiasm is electric.
I have included the student workbook, arrows and instructions for the crime scene, editable profile pages about your suspects, timeline for set up and information on how I have set it up in the past. But please let me know if there are any questions you have about it so we can make sure you and your students have the most fun possible with it.
.....
And now for the more formal information about the pack:
Are you looking for a high-engagement, hands-on STEM activity that will have your students excited to investigate, observe, analyse and solve mysteries? This Forensic Science Week / Crime Scene Investigation pack is the perfect way to bring science to life!
Not only will students talk about this activity in the classroom, but it will keep science as a main point of conversation all week (and beyond).
This resource is perfect for creating an exciting Forensic Science Day, Crime Scene Investigation Week, STEM Week activity, Science Week activity, science enrichment program or engaging classroom investigation!
.
Students will step into the role of forensic investigators as they explore the fascinating world of forensic evidence. Through interactive, practical activities, students will:
- Investigate a crime scene and search for important clues.
- Explore the science behind fingerprints and create their own fingerprint record as well as identify and classify fingerprint patterns, including arches, loops and whirls.
- Examine evidence and use observations to make conclusions.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Record evidence and communicate their findings.
- Work collaboratively as part of an investigation team.
- Experience science through an authentic, hands-on challenge.
Students will need to observe carefully, think logically, discuss their ideas and use evidence to support their conclusions.
This bundle is designed to create those magical classroom moments where students are completely immersed in learning and can't wait to discover what happens next!
.
This resource encourages the development of:
- Scientific inquiry
- Critical and creative thinking
- Observation and attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Evidence analysis
- Collaboration and communication
- Recording and interpreting information
- STEM thinking
WARNING:
Your students may become completely obsessed with forensic science.
Expect excited discussions, serious detective voices, students examining everything a little more closely and plenty of “I know who did it!”
.
Bring the excitement of forensic science, crime scene investigation and hands-on STEM learning into your classroom and let your students discover whether they have what it takes to crack the case!
