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