Forensics Finale: 8-Week Investigation Journey

Explore evidence. Practice investigation skills. Solve the mystery!

Week 1: The History of Forensic Science

Explore: How forensic science developed and changed over time.
Class Activities:

• Discover important people, places, and discoveries that shaped forensic science.
• Learn how investigators collect, study, and use evidence to solve cases.
  Homework:
• Research a historic non-violent case and prepare a 1-minute case overview to share with the class.

Week 2: Crime Scene Investigation — Documents & Handwriting

Solve It! Daily Challenge
Class Activities:

• Learn the investigator’s approach: start close, then expand out.
• Practice documenting evidence and maintaining a chain of evidence.
• Explore document examination and handwriting analysis.
  Homework:
• Complete the Evidence Found at Home worksheet.
• Complete the Handwriting Curves worksheet.

Week 3: Collecting Evidence — Soil & Photography

Solve It! Daily Challenge
Class Activities:

• Analyze soil and mineral samples for clues.
• Compare photographs and videos to identify important evidence.
  Homework:
• Find and bring in a printed news article featuring an eyewitness account of an accident or crime.

Week 4: Collecting Evidence — Footprints & Fingerprints

Solve It! Daily Challenge
Class Activities:

• Explore different types of fingerprints and footprints.
• Practice fingerprint collection and dusting techniques.
• Investigate how surfaces affect evidence collection.
• Discover what footprints can reveal about a scene.
  Homework:
• Collect two fingerprints using tape and a notecard.

Week 5: Collecting Evidence — Hair & Fibers

Solve It! Daily Challenge
Class Activities:

• Investigate fabrics, fibers, and hair samples.
• Compare evidence samples and examine microscopic clues.
  Homework:
• Bring 3 mystery hairs and 3 mystery fibers labeled on a paper sample sheet.

Week 6: Collecting Evidence — Interviews & Testimony

Solve It! Daily Challenge
Class Activities:

• Learn how investigators gather information through interviews.
• Explore body language, tone of voice, and reliability of statements.
• Analyze “catch the lie” examples.
  Homework:
• Complete the Truth & Lie Interview Activity with a family member.

Week 7: Collecting Evidence — Blood & Ballistics

Solve It! Daily Challenge
Class Activities:

• Explore blood evidence and what it can reveal.
• Study movement, direction, and speed of evidence patterns.
  Homework:
• Complete your final project preparation and come ready for the final investigation!

Week 8: Final Project — SOLVE THE CASE!

Mystery Investigation: WHO STOLE THE GOLD?

Your Mission:

• Work with a partner to analyze evidence and solve the case.
• Use your forensic skills to identify the culprit.

Final Submission:

• Turn in a one-page “MYSTERY SOLVED” report explaining your evidence, reasoning, and conclusion.