Curated OER
DNA Fingerprinting
Students study the process of DNA Fingerprinting and how DNA Fingerprinting is used in solving crimes. They examine a crime scenario that involves collecting DNA Fingerprinting information from blood collected at the crime scene. They...
Curated OER
Detective Fiction: Focus On Critical Thinking
Turn your 6th graders into detectives while growing their love of reading. Using critical thinking skills, they will be able to describe the five basic elements of detective fiction, read detective novels, make predictions, use the...
Texas Instruments
Vandalism 101
Learners explore logic and use Geometer’s Sketchpad and patterns of logic to solve a puzzle.
Macmillan Education
The Tell-Tale Heart
Rather than who done it, the mystery literary detectives have to solve as they examine the evidence found in Edgar Allan Poe's famous "The Tell-Tale Heart" is why did he do it?
Towson University
Case of the Crown Jewels
Can your biology class crack the Case of the Crown Jewels? Junior forensics experts try their hands at DNA restriction analysis in an exciting lab activity. The lesson introduces the concept of restriction analysis, teaches pipetting and...
University of Pennsylvania
Using Comic Strips to Teach Multiple Perspectives
Scholars view comics from two different perspectives; one paints the Alfred Dreyfus as innocent, while the other portrays the exact opposite. They solve the mystery of what happened by analyzing the source, working in groups, and...
Curated OER
Engineer a Solution
Students start by considering the numerous problems facing New York City during the first half of the 19th century, including fire, epidemics, and crime. In addition, they explore how New York's citizens and government tried to solve...
Curated OER
Using Blood Tests to Identify Babies and Criminals
Students solve a crime by matching a suspect's blood type to physical evidence collected at the crime scene. In this forensic science lesson, students identify the different blood types. They explain how blood tests work.
Curated OER
Forensic Files: A DNA Dilemma
Seventh-graders come in to science class to find a file on their desks detailing a crime to be solved! As a demonstration, you simulate the restriction of DNA samples and separate them by electrophoresis. From the gel, learners can...
101 Questions
Bone Collector
Feel like a detective yet? Pupils first watch a brief clip from the movie The Bone Collector. Using a photo of the suspect's footprint next to a dollar bill, they then use proportions to determine the size of the suspect's shoe.
Purdue University
The Case of the Pilfered Pin: A Measurement Inquiry Activity
Who pilfered the pin? Scholars practice measurement skills as they solve the mystery of a stolen pin. They measure length, temperature, and mass and determine which of select suspects committed the crime. During the STEM hands-on...
Curated OER
Who Done It?
Pick and choose which activities to include in this crime scene investigation. Junior detectives can examine fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, or bone structure. The plan suggests you have teams solve a mystery, but it does not give you...
Shmoop
ELA - Literacy.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.6
Key to understanding scientific or technical texts is identifying the underlying question the author is attempting to answer. Provide your young scientists with an opportunity to practice identifying these questions and the procedures...
Curated OER
Cardiac Arrest! Using Forensics to Investigate Cardiovascular Anatomy and Function
Learners identify the different parts and functions of the cardiovascular system. For this forensics lesson, students collect and analyze evidence on a fictional crime. They describe different causes of cardiac arrest.
Curated OER
Using Logic
In this using logic worksheet, students are given a variety of methods used to solve problems based on logic. They read about cause and effect relationships and finding solutions to problems. They are given three problems to solve using...
Curated OER
Soil Detectives: The Case of the Lost Friends
Students show how soil varies across the landscape, they explain how soil can be used to solve mysteries. Pupils are introduced to techniques that would be used to distinguish soils from different places.
Curated OER
Science and the Scientific Process
Students investigate the characteristics of different soil samples. In this physical science lesson plan, students play the role of forensics solving a crime by matching soil from the suspect's shoes. They formulate a conclusion after...
Curated OER
Crime Scene Investigation: Hair Analysis Lab
Learners participate in a hair analysis lab. Using a digital microscope, students compare and contrast hair samples. They determine if the hair samples are human or animal. After completing lab results sheets, learners share their...
Curated OER
STAR Deputies
Second graders engage in a lesson plan that is about the sharing of following rules to follow the law. They concentrate on the making of safe choices. Students use the examples to have class discussion. They also role play scenarios of...
Curated OER
Missing Masterpieces
Young scholars investigate a fictitious crime involving stolen art masterpieces. They work collaboratively in teams to solve the fictitious crime. Students return the stolen paintings in a Microsoft PowerPoint "portfolio" to their owner....
Curated OER
DNA Fingerprinting
Students discuss DNA Fingerprinting and gel electrophoresis before participating in a crime solving activity. Students simulate their DNA using adding tape and complete the steps necessary to do a gel electrophoresis. They discuss the...
Curated OER
Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Chip Analysis
Students analyze spectrums as related to forensics. In this chemistry lesson, students define spectroscopy and discuss its use in chemistry. They discuss how the Forensic Paint Chip is used to help solve crimes.
Curated OER
Interdisciplinary Applications of Chemistry Through Engineering in Modern Medicine
Students explore the different techniques used in forensic science. For this chemistry lesson, students investigate a fictional crime and identify the culprit. They create a brochure or collage career bulletin.
Curated OER
Who Dun It?
In this proofs by contradiction worksheet, students solve 1 word problem about a crime. Students use proof by contradiction to determine the criminal in the word problem.