Forensic Science for Kids - Learn the science

Introduction to 'Forensics for Kids'

Welcome to my 'Forensics for Kids' online class. Forensics is a fascinating field that combines science ?and detective work? to solve mysteries. It’s like being a real-life Sherlock Holmes!?? Let's explore what forensics is all about and how it helps solve crimes.

- Lindsey Hranitzky, MS

To Do:

• Watch Lecture

• Create your own detective character and sidekick.

After you have watched the lecture, take a moment and come up with your own detective ??and a sidekick.? Use the handout in the resources section to help you.

To Do:

• Watch Lecture

• 'Got It' game

• Create a comic

  
  

After you complete the lecture, you are welcome to play the 'Got It?'? game.

You can download and print out the review document. (It is the first resource available to download.)

Grab a pen?️ or pencil and use this document to play along with the review game and see what you can remember. How many will you get correct? 

If you are unable to download or print out the document, you can certainly use a piece of paper and write your answers on the paper. If the video is going too fast for you feel free to click the pause button and then continue on when you are ready.

-->  There is an answer key to check your work .

To help develop our very own detective (that you created from the intro).... You are going to create your very own comic.  I have created an example one for you to help you gather ideas. Feel free to have your gumshoe (detective) as a unicorn?, talking car, or even yourself!  The choice is yours. Be creative! 

-->  Feel free to message me a picture of your creations. I'd love to see them!

Something to note:

*I used Canva to add different characters. You can certainly draw your characters or use a different program. *

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) is a field within forensic science, focusing on the systematic and scientific approach to examining crime scenes. In this lecture, you will learn about different professions that assist in crime scene investigation, different types of evidence, and crime scene management- documentation, photography and crime scene sketching.

To Do

• Watch Lecture

• Search Pattern Activity

• Create a Story and Draw a Crime Scene Sketch.

Now, my story does not involve a crime. (Just a missing cat that someone could have thought had been stolen.)

You could have a story where someone has stolen some amazing queen's jewels or the classic, 'case of the missing mummy.' You can include just where the crime took place or where the crime took place and the surrounding neighborhood of the crime .

In this fun and easy-to-understand video, you'll learn all about fingerprints?? — what they are, why they're unique, and how they're used to solve mysteries!

I'll show you:

• The 3 main fingerprint patterns: loops, whorls, and arches.

• How to take your own fingerprints using a pencil and tape.

• Some fun facts about fingerprints.

To Do:

• Watch lecture

• Create fingerprint creatures using ink (Watch the video for ideas)

• Create large fingerprint using adjectives of yourself and things you like.

  
  

A fun activity that you can do next is create drawings from your own fingerprints.? I have added a video to help you gain ideas on how to do yours.

You will need:

-white paper

-an ink pad,

-thin markers or pens

If you don't have any ink pads, it's okay. You can print off the 'fingerprint design page' and print the page out to add your designs to.

What is Forensic Entomology??

Forensic entomology is the study of insects to help solve crimes! Forensic scientists who work with bugs are like detectives—they look at the types of insects found on or near a body to figure out things like:

• How long a person has been dead

• If the body was moved

• What time of year the death happened

How Does It Work?

When someone dies, certain bugs (like flies and beetles) show up at different times. Scientists know the order in which they arrive, and how long each type takes to grow from eggs to adults.

By looking at the insects' life stages, forensic entomologists can estimate when a person died. It’s like using a bug clock!