Forensic Science Investigations
Forensic science investigations apply scientific reasoning to solve mysteries using evidence‑based experiments.
Description : In this forensic science course, students apply investigative techniques to solve simulated mysteries. Experiments and analytical activities develop critical reasoning skills while exploring the science behind evidence.
Category : Science
Age : 10+
Difficulty Level : Normal
Curriculum :
Module 1: Introduction to Forensic Science Section 1: Fundamentals of Forensics - Lesson 1: What is Forensic Science? - Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: Overview and definition of forensic science - Lesson 2: History of Forensic Investigations - Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Key historical milestones in forensics Section 2: The Role of a Forensic Scientist - Lesson 1: Duties and Responsibilities - Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: Introduction to the work of forensic professionals - Lesson 2: Skills and Tools Needed - Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Basic skills such as observation, reasoning, and simple lab techniques Section 3: Scientific Thinking and Investigation - Lesson 1: The Scientific Method in Forensic Science - Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: How observation, hypothesis, and testing aid investigations - Lesson 2: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Fun exercises to develop reasoning and analytical skills Section 4: Safety and Ethics in Forensics - Lesson 1: Laboratory Safety Basics - Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Introduction to safety rules in forensic labs - Lesson 2: Ethical Considerations - Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Understanding honesty and integrity when handling evidence Section 5: Case Study Introduction - Lesson 1: Simple Mystery Exploration - Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Walk-through of a simple case to illustrate forensic concepts - Lesson 2: Discussing Findings - Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Group discussion on observations and conclusions Module 2: Crime Scene Investigation Section 1: Arrival at the Scene - Lesson 1: Securing the Scene - Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Basic steps to secure and preserve a crime scene - Lesson 2: Initial Observation Techniques - Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: How to make careful initial observations without disturbing evidence Section 2: Evidence Identification - Lesson 1: Identifying Types of Evidence - Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Overview of physical, biological, and trace evidence - Lesson 2: Recording Observations - Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Techniques for taking notes and photographs at the scene Section 3: Collecting Evidence - Lesson 1: Proper Evidence Collection Methods - Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Step-by-step guide to collecting physical evidence - Lesson 2: Packaging and Labeling - Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Best practices for preserving evidence integrity Section 4: Scene Mapping - Lesson 1: Creating a Crime Scene Sketch - Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Introduction to basic diagramming of a scene - Lesson 2: Interpreting the Layout - Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Understanding spatial relationships and possible clues Section 5: Documentation and Reporting - Lesson 1: Writing a Crime Scene Report - Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Key elements of an effective and factual report - Lesson 2: Communication in Investigations - Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Presenting findings in simple language Module 3: Evidence Analysis Section 1: Introduction to Evidence Analysis - Lesson 1: Laboratory Overview - Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: What happens in a forensic lab and its importance - Lesson 2: Types of Analysis - Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: Basic methods such as chemical and physical tests Section 2: Trace Evidence - Lesson 1: Understanding Trace Evidence - Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Examples of hair, fibers, and residues - Lesson 2: Analyzing Trace Samples - Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Simple procedures to examine small pieces of evidence Section 3: Biological Evidence - Lesson 1: Basics of DNA and Fingerprints - Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: How biological evidence links suspects and victims - Lesson 2: Collection Techniques for Biological Samples - Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Safe collection and preservation methods Section 4: Chemical Analysis - Lesson 1: Introduction to Chemical Tests - Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: Simple tests to identify substances - Lesson 2: Interpreting Chemical Data - Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Making sense of test results in a basic way Section 5: Physical Evidence Examination - Lesson 1: Tool Mark and Impression Analysis - Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Comparing marks and impressions as clues - Lesson 2: Breaking Down Material Evidence - Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Analyzing materials like glass, metals, and plastics Module 4: Forensic Techniques and Tools Section 1: Microscopy and Magnification - Lesson 1: Introduction to Microscopes - Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: How microscopes help see what the eye can’t - Lesson 2: Basic Microscopy Techniques - Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Simple activities using microscopes to enlarge evidence Section 2: Photography in Forensics - Lesson 1: Basics of Forensic Photography - Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: How pictures capture evidence details - Lesson 2: Techniques for Accurate Documentation - Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Tips on angles, lighting, and perspective at a scene Section 3: Chemical Reagents and Testing Kits - Lesson 1: Common Reagents Used in Forensics - Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Overview of reagents like luminol and their purpose - Lesson 2: Hands-On Reagent Experiments - Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Simple experiments to observe chemical reactions Section 4: Digital Forensics Basics - Lesson 1: Introduction to Digital Evidence - Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Understanding the importance of digital clues - Lesson 2: Simple Digital Analysis Techniques - Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Basic steps to analyze digital photos and messages Section 5: Field Tools and Portable Equipment - Lesson 1: Use of Field Kits - Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Overview of mobile forensic toolkits - Lesson 2: Handling and Maintaining Equipment - Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Basic care and calibration of forensic tools Module 5: Solving Mysteries with Forensic Science Section 1: Building an Investigation - Lesson 1: Formulating a Case - Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Steps to develop an investigative plan - Lesson 2: Collecting and Organizing Evidence - Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Strategies for efficient evidence management Section 2: Analyzing Clues and Forming Hypotheses - Lesson 1: Linking Clues to Theories - Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: How clues build a coherent story - Lesson 2: Testing Hypotheses - Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Simple experiments and reasoning to validate ideas Section 3: The Role of Interviews and Witness Statements - Lesson 1: Basics of Conducting Interviews - Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Effective ways to ask questions and record responses - Lesson 2: Analyzing Testimonies - Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Identifying important details in witness statements Section 4: Collaboration and Case Discussion - Lesson 1: Group Investigation Techniques - Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Working as a team to combine clues and insights - Lesson 2: Presenting a Case - Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Communicating findings to peers and instructors Section 5: Wrap-Up and Review of Forensic Investigations - Lesson 1: Recap of Key Techniques and Concepts - Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Summarizing the essential elements learned in the course - Lesson 2: Final Case Simulation and Review - Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: A guided simulation that brings together all investigative steps and a review discussion