Forensic Scavenger Hunt

Subjects

• Science 
• Forensics
• Art
• Social Studies

Time

• 60-120 minutes

Skills

• Teamwork
• Basic Forensic Techniques
• Problem-solving
• Observation
• Critical-Thinking

Learning Objective/Goal:

• Students will understand the basics of fingerprint analysis.
• Students will learn how to observe and categorize different fingerprint patterns.
• Students will apply forensic science techniques to solve a simulated investigation.
• Students will work collaboratively to achieve a common goal.

Materials Needed:

• Clues for the scavenger hunt, scattered across an area
• "Evidence" items with pre-made fingerprints
• Worksheets for recording observations
• Materials for stations (listed below)
• Optional: Prizes for Completion

Background

• In this forensic scavenger hunt, students solve the mystery of a cookie jar missing from a teacher’s room. Armed with forensic skills such as fingerprint analysis and engaging in short experiments like chromatography, they unravel clues and piece together evidence to uncover the culprit behind the disappearance.

Activity 

Introduction (15 minutes):

• Briefly discuss what fingerprints are and why they are important in forensic science.
• Show examples of different fingerprint patterns (loops, whorls, arches).
• Explain the activity: a scavenger hunt where students will find and analyze fingerprints to solve a mystery.

During the scavenger hunt (15 minutes):

• Divide students into small teams.
• Hand out worksheets for students to record their observations.
• Explain that students will need to find clues around the area and use those in conjunction with fingerprints to solve the mystery
• Provide the first clue to start the scavenger hunt.

Scavenger Hunt (1 hour):

• Students follow a series of clues to different locations around the school where they will find "evidence" items or do short investigations.
• At each location, students analyze clues they find and record observations on a worksheet
• Teams record their findings on the worksheets, identifying the patterns and matching them to potential "suspects" provided in the initial briefing.

Conclusion and Discussion (30 minutes)

• Gather all students to discuss their findings.
• Have each team present their observations and how they matched the fingerprints to solve the mystery.
• Discuss what they learned about fingerprints and the forensic process.
• Optional: Hand out prizes for participation or successful completion of the scavenger hunt.

Extra

Tips for Students:

• Pay close attention to details
• Work with your group and It may help to find a folder or hard object to bear down on when writing answers
• Keep your worksheet handy to jot down observations, clues, and any patterns you notice.

Tips for Teachers:

• Have extra volunteers ready to help with the short experiment stations
• Have students wash their hands after collecting evidence in the hallway
• Plan ahead - Designate specific areas or stations for clues

Extensions:

• Advanced Analysis: Introduce more complex forensic techniques such as dusting for prints with powder or using UV light.
• Cross-Curricular Connections: Integrate the activity with a history lesson on famous criminal cases solved with fingerprints.

Materials needed for Clue Stations

• Taking Fingerprints (Clue D)
  • Pencils
  • Paper
  • Index cards
  • Tape
• Cipher (Clue F)
  • Printed and assembled Cipher wheels
• Chromagography (Clue I)
  • Paper strips (coffee filters or chromatography paper)
  • Different colored markers
  • Rubbing alcohol or water
  • Small cups
  • Tape.
  • Pencils