Looking for an easy classroom crime scene investigation? This ready-to-use simulation includes the scenario, photos, suspects and their statements, and directions. All you need to do is set up the CSI experiments.
How can you use this project? Let me count the ways!
- Add it to your mystery genre study.
- Use it to make science fun.
- Slot it in before a break or at the end of the year.
- Offer it as a class prize.
- And the list goes on!
Any time you stage it, this classroom crime scene will engage your students and encourage critical thinking.
Let’s take a peek at the multi-day project:
1. Use a photo to set the stage for your classroom crime scene investigation.
Small classroom? No problem. This scenario requires no physical set-up or roping off. Kids view the crime scene in a picture.
Someone has taken a set of Dr. Seuss books. Evidence includes a smeared note, powder, drink (Diet Coke), and fingerprints.
2. Learn about the suspects with wanted posters and interviews.
Four wanted posters introduce suspects in the classroom crime scene investigation. Additionally, kids read transcripts of each suspect’s interview with the police. With these documents, students determine opportunity and motive – and maybe a few more clues.
3. Observe suspects’ desks and take notes.
Next, kids observe pictures of the suspects’ desks. Items like powders, drinks, and writing utensils provide even more information for the classroom crime scene investigation.
4. Match fingerprints from the crime scene with the suspects.
A simple worksheet lets kids explore fingerprints – and determine whose appeared at the scene of the crime.
5. Test mystery powders.
In the first science lab, kids observe and experiment with four powders. Then the teacher shows a picture of the powder found at the scene of the crime, as well as information about it. Kids then deduce which powder matches.
6. Continue classroom crime scene investigation with chromatography.
In the second science experiment, students use coffee filters to determine which ink runs like the one in the crime scene photo.
7. To culminate your classroom crime scene investigation, reveal the guilty party.
After kids have gathered all evidence, they decide who’s guilty. Then, as a culmination, they read a news release from the police department – and find out if they’re right.
Enjoy Teaching
Sure, classroom crime scene investigations engage kids like never before. But they also help teachers enjoy their profession. Try this mystery simulation. Everyone in your classroom (including you) will look forward to coming to school each day.
