forensic science lab experiments

Sign up for our newsletter and get your FREE science reading activities.

21 fun forensic science activities for kids.

Once in a while, we are asked to review a book and possibly blog about it.  Forensics for Kids: The Science and History of Crime Solving with 21 Activities , written by Melissa Ross, is one of those books.  This forensic science book is the inspiration for this post. It is a book that we know you will want to add to your classroom and/or home library!

What is Forensic Science?

In a nutshell, forensic science is using science to solve crimes.  Forensic scientists use science to find, collect, and analyze evidence that can be used in court.

Why We Like This Book

The author, Melissa Ross, is a former junior and senior high school teacher.  She has a good sense of what teachers and kids are interested in.

The book starts with a timeline of forensic science dating from 44BC to the modern day.  Each of the 21 activities she has in her book has a historical component to it, which lends itself perfectly to integrating reading and science.

However, you can also jump right into the experiments!  Each experiment has a list of needed materials and step-by-step directions for completing it.

Two Forensic Science Activities Straight From the Book

(permission granted by Bianca Maldonado, assistant publicist)

Did you know that everywhere someone goes, they leave evidence?  It might be a fingerprint, a strand of hair, microscopic bits of skin, or bodily fluids.  These are the types of evidence that help forensic scientists solve crimes.

Collecting Fingerprints

What you’ll need:.

white index cards

baby powder

old make-up brush

tempera paint

How to Collect the Evidence (Three Different Ways)

•  Press your thumb onto the ink pad, then carefully press it onto a white index card.
•  Press your thumb into a thin layer of tempera paint, then press it onto an index card. Press it several times until you get the clearest possible print.
•  Lightly coat your thumb with olive oil until your thumb feels slightly greasy. Carefully press your thumb onto a mirror or glass.  Try to keep it as still as possible while removing it.  Lightly dust the greasy print you just left with baby powder and let it sit for a few minutes.  Finally, use the tape to try and “lift” the print from the glass or mirror.  Keep the tape from moving around as you press it onto the print, then lift it off.

Classifying Fingerprints

Now that you have gathered your prints see if you can classify them.  Fingerprints are classified into three major groups.  Using a magnifying glass, examine your fingerprints. Compare them to the images above and classify yours.

Toolmark Examiner

“A tool examiner analyzes marks made on surfaces at a crime scene.  Perhaps a window was pried open with a tool.  An examiner can discover what kind of tool made the mark and sometimes even trace it to one unique tool.  In this activity, you are the tool examiner who will test indented marks, abrasion marks, and hard surface marks.”

Styrofoam plates

small piece of wood

Phillips-head screwdriver and flathead screwdriver

a large screw

magnifying glass

•  Lay out the wood, cardboard, and Styrofoam.
• Make three test scratches on each surface at a time using the screwdrivers, screws, pliers, and wrench.  First, make an abrasion mark by lightly scratching the surface with each tool.
• Next, make a cutting mark by pressing the tool across the surface.
• Finally, make an indentation mark with each tool by pressing the object into the surface; try pressing the sides of the tool into the surface as well as the point of the tool.
• Allow some friends to examine the marks with magnification.  See if they can determine which tool made each mark and explain why they made the choices they did.  How accurate were they?

From this small sampling, you can see that kids would be engaged in these activities.  There are also so many ways you can use them.  The setup can be done by you or students ahead of time.  Small groups of students can set up stations and have others rotate through them, etc.

Additional Forensic Science Activities

This video is appropriate for upper elementary, middle school, and beyond students.  It does a good job of explaining forensic science.  You might want to show it as an introduction.

This website, Kids Ahead, offers crime scene investigations .

So if you have kids that love mysteries, watch CSI (crime scene investigations), or just love science, try some of the investigations in this book!

And remember, it’s all science!

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter!

Really a great book for kids to understand how important science is in discovering the treasures of the world.

This book really good for kid to learning and understand how important science in the world and easy learning to

We’re glad you found this book helpful!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

browse through all blog categories

Forensic Science Crime Scene Lab Classroom Teaching Activities, Experiments & Resources

Pretend your classroom is the forensics lab for the local crime solving unit. Incorporate these videos and resources to engage your students in solving a "crime."

Bullet analysis or ballistics is an integral component of forensic science. Forensic scientists are able to use ballistics to determine many key components about a crime. Learn about trajectory and ballistics with forensics activities!

Blood Evidence

You arrive at a crime scene only to find that all of the blood that may have been present has dried and is no longer visible. How can you determine if and where the blood is present? Fun forensic science activities about blood evidence and analysis!

Comprehensive Crime Scene

What is included in Flinn Scientific's Comprehensive Crime Scene? What will students learn? Investigate, examine, identify and solve the crime. Watch the videos and review the material to determine what kits would be the best for your class.

Fibers and Inks

Inks and fibers are important evidence in a forensic science experiment. Learn about how inks can be separated into pigments with chromatography and use forensic tests to identify different types of fibers left a crime scene. 

Fingerprinting

See how easy it is to integrate Flinn Scientific's fingerprinting kits in any forensic science lab. Review our resources, search for additional kits and identify the ones that best suit your lessons.

Footwear & Print Casting

View Flinn Scientific's video on three possible ways to easily create footwear and print impressions. Which process do you want your students to practice? 

Student Lab Activities

Flinn Scientific offers numerous student lab activities for you to use in your next forensic science lab. Inspect the resource materials and get your students engaged in these interactive activities.

• Foundations of Forensics
• Blood & Bodily Fluids
• Child Abuse Allegations
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Death Investigation
• Detection Dogs
• Digital Evidence
• Drug Analysis
• Drug Recognition Experts
• Eyewitness ID
• Fingerprints
• Forensic/Sexual Assault Exams
• Measurement Uncertainty
• Mental Health
• Trace Evidence
• Forensic Consultations
• Featured Articles
• Legislation
• Discovery Motions
• Funding for Experts
• Motions for Appropriate Relief
• Motions to Exclude Expert Testimony
• Motions for Independent Testing
• Motions to Preserve Evidence
• Motions to Suppress
• Analyst Certification Motions
• Reports & Publications
• Forensic Terminology
• Online Research Tools
• General Information
• NC State Crime Lab Procedures
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Crime Lab
• CCBI Lab Procedures
• NC OCME Toxicology Lab
• Pitt Co. Sheriff’s Forensic Services
• Sec. of State Digital Forensic Lab
• Wilmington Police Dept Crime Lab
• Private and Out-of-State Labs
• News Articles
• Browse All Experts
• Working with Experts
• Expert Services Project
• Add or Update Expert Records
• Find a Private Investigator
• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services

Forensic Science Laboratory Manual and Workbook

Relevant Chapters Include:

Experiment 8: Crime Scene Investigation: Safeguarding, Searching, Recognition, Documentation, Collection, Packaging, and Preservation of Physical Evidence

Experiment 9: Trace Evidence Collection and Sorting

Experiment 11: Examination of Human Hair 

Experiment 14: Examination of Trace Quantities of Synthetic Fibers

Remember Me

Shop Experiment Mystery Powder from a Crime Scene Experiments​

Mystery powder from a crime scene.

Experiment #14 from Forensic Chemistry Experiments

Introduction

A white powder is processed at a crime scene. Your job as a forensic chemist is to measure some physical and chemical properties of the powder and attempt to identify it. You will measure the pH, solubility in terms of conductivity, and melting point of the powder. You will also observe the reaction with hydrochloric acid. By comparing the properties of the crime scene powder to those of known substances you will report what you think is the identity of the powder.

Conductivity in solution is a physical property of compounds. Typically, compounds containing ionic bonds will dissociate into ions that will conduct electricity well in solution. Molecular compounds may dissolve in water, but since they primarily contain covalently bonded atoms, they will not dissociate into ions in solution.

In water, ionic compounds will dissociate into charged ions in solution.

Molecular compounds may dissolve in water, but will not dissociate into ions.

You will compare the conductivity of aqueous solutions of the known white powders in this experiment and compare that to the white powder recovered from the crime scene.

Another property you will measure is the pH of solutions of these powders. pH is a measure of the acidity of a water solution of a compound. Some compounds form acidic solutions and should have pH values lower than 7 while other compounds dissolved in water will measure a pH greater than 7. Neutral solutions will have pH values very close to 7.

The melting points are also characteristic of chemical compounds. In this experiment, you may notice that some compounds melt pretty easily and others do not. In some cases, the compound will decompose instead of melting.

One chemical property will be observed in this experiment; the reaction of these compounds with hydrochloric acid.

Compounds containing carbonate ions (CO 3 2–  and HCO 3 – ) will react with hydrochloric acid in an obvious manner.

• Analyze and interpret data to identify an unknown substance using patterns of physical and chemical properties (e.g., pH, solubility, melting point, reaction with hydrochloric acid) for known substances.
• Use mathematical representations (graphs) of temperature  vs . time to determine the melting point of a substance.
• Communicate technical information about the process used to identify an unknown substance using patterns of physical and chemical properties.
• Explain how forensic science uses digital tools to address the needs of modern civilization.

Sensors and Equipment

This experiment features the following sensors and equipment. Additional equipment may be required.

Correlations

Teaching to an educational standard? This experiment supports the standards below.

Ready to Experiment?

Ask an expert.

Get answers to your questions about how to teach this experiment with our support team.

• Call toll-free: 888-837-6437
• Chat with Us
• Email [email protected]

Purchase the Lab Book

This experiment is #14 of Forensic Chemistry Experiments . The experiment in the book includes student instructions as well as instructor information for set up, helpful hints, and sample graphs and data.

Easy Forensic Science Experiments

• June 27, 2021
• Categories: Biology , Chemistry , History , Podcasts , Posts , Science at Home : STEM , Videos
• Tags: crime scenes , cyanoacrylate fuming , dactylography , experiments , FBI , fingerprint types , fingerprints , forensics , Henry System , sodium hydroxide , STEM , superglue

EASY FORENSIC SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

Easy and forensic seem like a dichotomy but it is possible to find easy forensic science experiments. (For example, right here!)  Forensic experiments are cool and fun for your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, as a classroom activity or for a birthday party, with minimal materials! I’m going to show you how to do 2 forensic science experiments at home!

EASY FORENSIC SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS PODCAST

What is forensics?

The use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil courts of law., forensic evidence, forensic evidence are the physical items collected or information gathered by scientific methods at crime scenes., examples include dna matching, fingerprint identification, ballistic trajectory, and hair/fiber samples. .

Forensic evidence often helps to establish the guilt or innocence of possible suspects.

FINGERPRINT FORENSICS

Fingerprints have long been considered one of the most valuable types of physical evidence that can be found at a crime scene.

Fingerprint identification is employed by police squads and agencies as a powerful weapon for combating crime. This technique helps crime fighters all over the world, by providing them with a reliable and accurate means of identifying suspects.

Dactylography is the scientific study of fingerprints as a means of identification.

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY LAB ACTIVITIES

That’s why our easy forensic science experiments will  involve fingerprint collection!

First a word about fingerprints. Why do we even have fingerprints? What is the point of fingerprints? When did humans discover them?

WHY DO WE HAVE FINGERPRINTS?

What is the point of fingerprints, a brief history of fingerprints...or skip the slides if this isn't sufficiently brief.

FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

There are eight fingerprint patterns currently recognized by the FBI, but there are three basic types of fingerprints.

Which fingerprint pattern do you have? One of my kids is excited because he has the arch pattern.

Having a fingerprint database is preferable to other forms of differentiation.

  Many civilizations have used tattooing, branding, and even maiming as means of identifying people.

Ancient Romans branded runaway slaves with the letters FVG, meaning “fugitive.” Hm…that guy on the far right has a V on his chest. Maybe he escaped b4 the Romans could finish the job? (He looks a little sketchy.)

Case in point; Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic, The Scarlet Letter , was based on a 1636 code of laws known as the ‘General Fundamentals,’ put into effect at the colony in Plymouth, MA. 

Convicted adulterers were to be punished by wearing the letters ‘A’ and ‘D’ sewn on to their garments.

What do you think the ‘D’ stands for? Dumb dumb?

EASY FORENSIC SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS AT HOME # 1

We can collect all the fingerprints we want, but it won’t do us any good if we can’t ID who belongs to which fingerprints!

To catch a criminal, we need fingerprints on file. Like the FBI, we must create a database!

Ours won’t have 800,000 prints. Maybe stick with family and / or friends!

SUPPLIES FOR CREATING OUR FINGERPRINT DATABASE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS # 1 : FINGERPRINT DATABASE COMPILATION

• Use a piece of fresh paper for each person.
•  Color their finger with the marker.
• Press their finger onto the paper.
• Don’t forget to label each paper with names!
• Keep your database together in a folder or binder.

Now that you have your criminals…uh…database compiled, let’s detect a few latent prints. 

Wait. What are latent prints? First, a quick word about the 3 types of fingerprints.

THREE TYPES OF FINGERPRINTS

The fact that latent fingerprints are invisible brings us to forensic science experiment # 2!

We’re going to make the invisible, visible!

How? With superglue! 

See! An easy forensic science experiment! Go chemistry.

EASY FORENSIC SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS # 2

In 1978, the Criminal Identification Division of the Japanese National Police Agency began employing a chemical technique now known as the super glue identification method or the cyanoacrylate fuming method.

We’re going to do this, too! Easy forensic science experiments at home. 

This isn’t magic. It involves a chemical reaction. Chemistry experiments! Hurrah.

SUPPLIES FOR THE SUPERGLUE IDENTIFICATION METHOD

• Cotton balls
• Small glass that will fit into our gallon-sized bag
• Aluminum foil
• Gallon-sized, sealable bag
• Gloves optional

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EASY FORENSIC SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS # 2

I decided a how-to video of this forensic experiment was a good idea. I also wanted to see if it would really work. It was fun, made more fun because the experiment was a success!

What wasn’t as much fun was balancing my phone on two stacks of books and talking while worrying about it falling down. Or using the brand-new-to-me editing software. I wanted to create a cohesive you tube video. 

The learning curve was steep.  I figure I can only go up from here. Right?

THE FORENSIC SCIENCE EXPERIMENT IS EASIER THAN EDITING THIS VIDEO!

The why behind the superglue identification method.

Let me know if you give these two easy forensic science experiments a try at home. It’s a lot of fun. And it’s chemistry.

For subscribing to my monthly newsletter, I’ll send you a link to download 2 more chemistry projects! (Link below!) 

I DO THE RESEARCH SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO

They seem like some awesome forensic experiments to do at home with the kids, who knew you could do suchs things with common products you’d have around the home

Yes, the experiments are awesome and actually work, too! Thank you so much.

As someone who is super into true crime documentaries and and wanted to go into forensics as a teen, these experiments sound so fun! I like how you’ve included instructions as well. Definitely going to give them a go, I’m sure my son would be very interested in some experiments.

What happened to your idea about forensics as a career? I like crime documentaries and dramas too. (We’re currently watching season 10 of Criminal Minds!) I’d love to hear how this goes with your son. Thanks so much!

These forensic science experiments look really fun. I can’t tell which type of fingerprint pattern I have. Maybe a combination? I think your youtube video was great. I’m sure I can reproduce the experiment after watching it. That’s the whole point, right? I can tell you put a lot of work into this. Thanks.

There is a fourth pattern called ‘combination.’ Maybe that’s you? I didn’t want to get too detailed with patterns. I’m glad you thought my video was all right and enjoy my posts! Thanks so much.

How cool! I think you could write a mystery series just based on all of this. Agatha Christie stand aside 🙂

No one trumps Agatha Christie but it’s a fun idea! Thanks so much.

This was really interesting. It looks like so much fun and I’d love to have a go at one of the experiments too.

I hope you give one a try! Thanks so much.

These are so interesting, thank you for sharing these ideas for those showing an interest in forensic science

You’re welcome! Thanks for taking a peek at my post.

What an informative and fun post! I will make sure to show this to my nephews, they would eat it all up. Thank you for sharing this x

I hope they love this! Thanks for sharing the experiments with them!

I loved your post. The forensics experiments can easily make you understand how things work while you also have fun doing them. I will try them out. Thank you for sharing!

I’m so happy that you loved my post. Let me know how it goes if you try them. Thank you!

This reminds me of a recent Letterbox Lab box Flora and I did, with fingerprints being a large part of the activities. Fascinating stuff, Sue, I’m sure Flora would love to try these experiments too, thank you!

Let me know if you decide to give this a try with Flora! It would be a nice adjunct to what she’s learned.Thanks, Lisa!

What fantastic, and entertaining, experiments! Making use of all those materials to hand you’re like a MacGyver for kids 🙂 Great job!

Exactly what I have in mind! I love to experiment via do it yourself. MacGyver for kids! Perfect catch phrase, thanks!

Really informative post here! These experiments sound so fun and fascinating – I definitely want to try some of these out! Thanks for sharing x

I find forensics fascinating too. It’s amazing to see those fingerprints appear on the glass…almost like magic. Thanks so much!

My kids are going to love these! And who knew you could have so much fun with stuff around the house. I can’t wait to try them out this summer.

I’ve got other posts with experiments using household items, too! This has two experiments, using junk drawer items! https://susanberkkoch.com/blog/science-at-home-2-fun-experiments/

And in this post, I show you how to make a magnet! https://susanberkkoch.com/blog/science-at-home-magnets/

I’m happy that you’re going to try these out. Thanks so much!

I don’t know if I want my family to know how to check things for my fingerprints. Just kidding! Great post as usual.

HA! Good point. Thanks so much, Mike!

Lol I was obsessed with CSI growing up and I swore I was going to become a forensic scientologist when I grew up. But I realized I don’t think I could handle all the blood and gore that came with that all the time. I became a dental hygienist instead. Somewhat bloody but definitely not as much haha

HAHA! Interesting turn. You still have the science and can also enjoy chatting with live people! Thanks so much.

I love the idea of forensic science experiments. This reminds me of reading or watching a crime show. I remember a couple of years ago I would watch a lot of crime shows.

Now I’m catching up on some of those crime shows you probably used to watch! I’m happy that you like my forensic science experiment ideas! Thank you.

These sound fun! I’m sure my son would love this when he’s older. I have a loop finger print!

Loop! That’s fun to be able to tell. (Mine aren’t distinct.) You’ll have to bookmark this and check back when your son is ready! Thank you.

Wow, I love this post. Halfway through I had to head off to find my magnifying glass to check out my fingerprints. They are arched, so I guess I’m easy to catch with the stolen cookie. I’m going to bookmark this post for when my nephew comes over. Thanks for this.

Arch fingerprints? You may be more at risk for capture! I’m happy to hear that you’re saving this post to have some fun with your nephew! Thank you so much.

This sounds so fun! I love the pictures and the dog is adorable! I think this could be a fun activity for anyone! Thank you for the ideas!

Louie loves to help but doesn’t enjoy posing quite as much. (Like me, actually.) I agree, this would be lots of fun for an adult party, as a who-done-it game. Thank you for stopping by!

These are some great forensic experiments. So interesting and a lot of fun. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Thanks for taking a look!

Fascinating post on fingerprints and very cool to tie them into forensic experiments. Just as humans have unique fingerprints, cows have individual nose prints! Good to know in case one goes rouge!

Wow, I love that fact about cow noses. Do dairy farmers keep a database in case one gets into mischief? I need to look into that further. Thanks for sharing this with me!

I love a good forensic dive, and have all the supplies for these two experiments right at home. Love that you created a video for the second one! It is amazing how quick the filming is and how long the editing of a piece actually takes . . .

Looks like I am a whorl kind of gal myself. 🙂 My guess for the scarlet D: Dangerous. Thanks for sharing!

Dangerous is a better guess than dumb dumb! You’re so right about the 40 seconds of filming and 4 hours of editing. Maybe with time I’ll pare that latter number down! Thanks so much.

Forensic experiments for kids was a clever and genius idea infact of you to come up with. I didn’t know surface area was for friction or maybe forgot. Second experiment was clever and loved the who ate cookie and then the grin on the man and dog pic. Lol. You do humor so good! Enjoyed xx Isa A. Blogger https://bit.ly/3s2ryHq

I’m gratified that you think this idea is clever! I like the grin on the man’s face in that photo too. It was perfect. Thank you so much, Isa!

This post is something I haven’t seen before! I love how your personality is clear and the photos + captions you add. They certainly kept me engaged and chuckling. Forensics always seems so professional, but turns out you can do fun projects with little ones. I’ll certainly bookmark this for whenever I babysit, thanks for sharing Sue! I also really liked the cards with info on them.

Sejal | http://www.thelazygal.com

I appreciate you saying that you like my style! Your pointing out the preconceptions about forensics are exactly why I decided to make it approachable for young kids! Science shouldn’t be intimidating. This would make a great babysitting project! Thanks so much for bookmarking my post!

You’re right, introducing science at a young age is a wonderful way to get them curious and interested. And no problem, it’s a great post☺️

Oh my gosh, this sounds so fun! My oldest two would love this (they are 10 and 7). We will have to give it a try. Thank you!

Your oldest kids will love it! You could definitely set this up as a who done it for them. Let me know how it goes! And thanks.

I’ve been wanting to do forensic science as a job since I was younger. These experiments sound amazing! Thanks for sharing Xo

Elle – ellegracedeveson.com

Forensics is cool and the science changes quickly, with many new developments. I understand the attraction! (Look at me, writing about it.) Thanks so much, Elle!

I did this with my seven-year-old grandson and his younger brother. My husband and I set it up the night before that one of us was going to touch the glass. They had to guess whose fingerprint was on the glass. They got it right. Thanks for the fun experiment.

How fun, Amy! I’m excited that you set it up as a mystery to solve. Hurrah. You’re so welcome. Thanks for checking back and letting me know about your successful experiment.

They seem like some awesome forensic experiments to do at home with the kids, who knew you could do suchs things with common products you’d have around the home

Science amazes me too! I’m happy that so many concepts and experiments are accessible to us for not much money. Let me know how it goes if you try any of these experiments!

Thank you for great content.

You’re welcome! And thank you for stopping by!

You’re welcome! I’m gratified that you enjoyed my post.

Great post thank you.

Thank you so much!

Nice article inspiring thanks.

Thank you for the content.

You’re welcome!

Thank you great post.

You’re welcome.

Thank you for content.

Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.

I’m happy you bookmarked my site. Thank you.

Very informative and helpful site

Crime stuff always interests me and i have a science fair coming up, this is perfect!

I like crime science, too. I’m so happy that I can help you out! Good luck w/ your science fair. Let me know how it goes!

My New Book!

Make Sense of Science is my email newsletter where I share information about future science, new tech developments, as well as tools and resources for STEM at home. It arrives every two weeks and you’ll only hear from me. (And Louie)

Recent Blog Posts

• Want To Increase Your Lifespan?
• Attack of The Alien Invaders
• Top 10 Astronomical Events for 2023
• The Science Behind Positive Affirmations
• Six Easy Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Article Categories

• Book Reviews
• Computer Science
• Science at Home : STEM

Copyright © 2018 -2023 Susan Berk Koch. All rights reserved. Privacy policy . Site designed by Winding Oak . No images or content on these pages may be reproduced or republished in any form without permission.

The information contained in website and any attachments are publicly-sourced, and should not be taken as absolute fact.   No warranty is made as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained in this communication. Any views or opinions presented are those of the sourced author and do not necessarily represent those of Dr. Susan Berk Koch, susanberkkoch.com, or its related entities. This communication is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation, for any materials herein.  

YES! I'm IN

Be the smartest person on your block!

Enter your email & I’ll share news about future science, STEM activities, and the best books.

And more Louie!

Be the Best Informed!

I’ll make sense of science, share news about new tech, science advancements, and more. You’ll only hear from me and only twice a month. 

• Louie and I thank you!

Be the smartest person!

I’ll share news about future science, new species, show you how to do science at home with your kids, find the best books and more. You’ll only hear from me and only twice a month, tops.

Don’t miss out on More Cool Science! Subscribe for twice monthly articles. Thanks so much.

PRODUCT CATEGORIES

Same Day Dispatch

All in stock items will be dispatched same day from our fully stocked warehouse

Worldwide shipping Available

We ship worldwide! Online orders ship all over the globe. Wherever you need science equipment we can ship it*.

FREE Delivery on ALL orders for UK

All online orders in the UK are Free delivery no matter the size. No minimum free shipping requirement and no delivery charge.....Ever

Forensic Science Experiments: Turn your Classroom into a CSI Lab

Jul 11,2016 by Edulab

From film and television to a traditional page – turner, forensic science and Crime Scene Investigation has held wide appeal with young and old alike. With a little imagination, it’s easy to create compelling scenarios and crime scene stories to help with teaching forensic science within a school setting.

The mock homicide of a head teacher is certain to spark students’ imaginations. Compelling scenarios will lead to greater engagement with the subject matter, enabling students to tackle the tricky terrain of new scientific concepts.

Forensic science not only creates interest but also combines biology, chemistry and physics under one broader, interdisciplinary umbrella. From dusting for fingerprints to hair analysis , why not encourage your students to become crime scene investigators?

Stage a murder mystery

Create and conduct a homicide investigation, allowing students the opportunity to enjoy multiple hands-on activities. From hair to soil samples, plant the material to be analysed and encourage students to gather and package the evidence from the crime scene. Props, such as crime scene tape and crime scene suits add to the authenticity of the activity.

With teachers implicated in the murder, students can analyse a hair sample from the crime scene in relation to hair samples from the known suspects. An additional activity may incorporate chemiluminescence in blood stain detection . The gorier the better, students can learn how Luminol is used in crime scenes where there is no visible blood.

Create a kidnapping

An alternative scenario may be that your head teacher has been taken hostage. Select a few teachers as suspects and arrange for the discovery of a ransom note. The suspects’ fingerprints and clothing fabric samples can be provided, along with the pens found in their pockets. The students can then compare the samples with those found at the scene of the crime and with the ink used to write the ransom note.

Students can learn how to make microscope slides by putting fabric fibres onto a small drop of water underneath a coverslip. They can then compare the samples and eliminate suspects accordingly. Similarly, students can help to solve the crime using the ransom note and the forensic chemistry of chromatography . Chromatography can be used to separate the ink on the ransom note and the ink found in the suspects’ pens. Through chromatography experimentation, it may be possible to provide evidence to link the writing on the ransom note to a particular person’s pen.

Solve a cold case

Why not employ basic archaeological methods to unearth a bone from a crime scene set in your school grounds? Once recovered from the crime scene, students can then work with the bone as forensic anthropologists within a laboratory environment. Hands on analysis will allow them to explore the exciting world of anthropology. They can discover the age, race and gender of the victim using a talking bones kit and help to contribute to the identification process.

Have a rummage through your science technician’s store cupboard, you may find your department has some resources readily available for many of these exciting forensic experiments. Alternatively, contact Edulab for everything you need to turn your classroom into a CSI lab.

RELATED POSTS

Jun, 2024 by Edulab

The Marvel of the Human Body: Fascinating Facts and Functions

The human body is truly extraordinary. It seamlessly orchestrates various biological systems, such as the circulatory and skeletal systems, each … Continue reading "The Marvel of...

How To Choose The Best Centrifuge Tubes

Selecting your Centrifuge Tubes Centrifugation is an essential technique for separating fluids in laboratory analyses, whether working with blood samples … Continue reading "How To Choose...

Sep, 2023 by Edulab

Exploring the Microscopic World with the Monocular Biological Microscope

Microscopes have long been the gateway instrument to the scientific world as well as a gateway to the hidden world … Continue reading "Exploring the Microscopic...

Edulab has a new home!

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us:

7 Activities To Add To Your Forensic Toxicology Unit

One of my favorite topics to teach in Forensics is toxicology. This topic always fosters deep conversations with my students and they are always engaged in the activities that comprise this unit. Today on the blog, I am sharing 7 activities to add to your Forensic Toxicology unit. If you use any of these activities, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the post letting me know which you are planning to use! Now….let’s get to it!

#1: Can Candy Kill?

To introduce my Forensic Toxicology unit, I always start with this interesting research activity. I begin by showing this short video clip titled How Much Candy Would Kill You? After the clip, I have my students use the information from the video to calculate the toxicity of their favorite candy. Who doesn’t love a little math mixed in with Forensics?

This quick, 10 minute activity provides a great segue into my toxicology lessons .

#2: Toxicology WebQuest

I am always on the hunt for a good webquest. I love this TOXICOLOGY WEBQUEST because it includes both a print and digital version. This gives me the option to assign it to Google Classroom, instead of waiting in line at the copy machine. Ain’t nobody got time for that, right?

#3: Toxicology Lab

My students LOVE a good mock investigation, so I try to incorporate a little CSI mystery in to all of my labs. I use “ The Case of the Mysterious White Powder ” as my go-to toxicology lab because it is incredibly engaging for my students. However, the best part of this lab is that the set-up is super easy and I can use the supplies for several years. I place my supplies in a plastic container and store it until the next time that I need it. It’s the perfect grab-and-go resource!

#4: Mouse Party (The Brain on Drugs) Online Simulation

This interactive activity , created by the University of Utah’s Learn Genetics , allows students to see the effects that drugs such as heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, and methamphetamines have on the brain. Not only is this interactive activity extremely engaging, but Learn Genetics has provided teachers with complimentary resources ! No-prep resources? Yes, please!

#5: Chasing the Dragon

In an attempt to educate high school students on the dangers of opiate addiction, the FBI created a documentary titled, Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict . This 45 minute film was designed to help students develop a greater understanding of the opioid crisis and the dangers of addiction. A complete educator’s discussion guide can be found here . ( Note : Be sure to preview this film. They do censor the foul language, but I still chose to mute several parts of the film. You will need to decide if the film is appropriate for your own students.)

#6: Celebrity Deaths by Toxin

In an attempt to incorporate case studies into my forensic toxicology lesson plan, I have my students research 5 celebrity deaths and create an Instagram profile for each. Occasionally, I will have my students choose one of their cases to share with the class. This informal share-a-thon always leads to interesting conversations with my students. It’s a simple activity, but is definitely one of my favorites. Want to use the resources that I have created for this activity? Click HERE to have the print and digital resource sent to your email.

#7: Toxicology Escape Room

As I move toward assessing my students, I always try to provide a review game or activity before the quiz. A student-favorite is my TOXICOLOGY ESCAPE THE CLASSROOM challenge. I love that I have the option of assigning this challenge completely digitally or incorporating lock boxes and the printables for a fun challenge before the quiz.

Well, my friends, that’s my list of 7 activities to add to your Forensic Toxicology unit. I hope that you found something that you can use. I’d love to see how you’re using these activities in your own classroom! If you post to social media, be sure to tag me @thetrendyscienceteacher on Instagram and Facebook .

Want to grab my complete TOXICOLOGY LESSON PLAN BUNDLE that includes a print and digital version of all of the resources that you will need to teach a toxicology unit? Click here to check it out!

Until next time…. Happy Teaching!

• Read more about: FORENSICS

You might also like...

Back to School with Exciting Biology Activities!

Ideas for Decorating Your Science Classroom

Boosting Biology Exam Scores with Spiral Reviews

I cannot get motivated! I’m PHYSICALLY in my classroom, but MENTALLY, I’m still on summer break. ☀️ Send help! 🤪

My students call me the QUEEN OF ORGANIZATION! 👸 These are a few ways that I keep my high school science classroom organized. I have many of these items saved in my Amazon storefront. Just click the link in my bio and select “Amazon Favs” then “Classroom Organization.” #highschoolteacher #classroomorganization #scienceteacher #classroommanagement #teachersofinstagram

On the first day of school, my students will be participating in a “discover the classroom” activity to learn about the classroom and how it works. I have students visit different spaces in the classroom and answer questions about each space. It gets the kids up and moving, while making them feel more comfortable with the classroom. It’s easy to set up and is the perfect FIRST DAY activity. To grab an editable version to use in your classroom, head to www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/discover

Those that know me know that I am an advocate for having a procedure for EVERYTHING that students are expected to do in the classroom. In fact, I spend the first 2 weeks of school outlining rules, procedures, and expectations. We practice the procedures for entering the classroom, transitioning from desks to the lab area, turning in assignments, etc. Does this take time from valuable science content? Yep! But…. A well-managed classroom will ensure that “content time” is maximized after this first weeks of drilling procedures and routines! To help my students remember the rules and procedures, I created a procedures board to refer to throughout the year. My students know the expectations of the classroom and by the third week of school, it’s running like a well-oiled machine. You can grab all of the details about this board and download a free copy of these procedure signs over on my blog: www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/posters

Color coding my chromebook cart is one of the BEST decisions that I’ve ever made for my classroom! 💻 I purchased a roll of multi-colored washi tape from Amazon and it was the perfect way to organize the cart so that my students were held accountable for putting their chromebooks away appropriately. Each chromebook is numbered and each numbered chromebook has a color coded spot and cord in the cart. This number corresponds with the students’ desk number so students are easily identified if they don’t return their chromebook appropriately. #classroomorganization #classroommanagement #classroompinspirations #classroomsetup #scienceteacher

I’m living my best “teacher on break” life! 🍎 ☀️ 🏝️ After my hardest school year yet, I was in desperate need of a reset. I’m 5 weeks in to summer break and I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. I hope that you are getting some much needed rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation on your summer break! 💜

✌️ out 2023-24! It’s been fun. Now time for some ☀️ 🏝️ 📖

Today. I’m doing something that my future BACK-TO-SCHOOL self will appreciate- I’m restocking my lab clean up kits. If you have lab sinks in your classroom, I highly recommend having these next to each one. Here’s what I have in each caddy: 🧼 Scrub brush 🧼 Hand soap 🧼 Dish liquid 🧼 Hand sanitizer 🧼 Sponge 🧼 Cleaning spray #scienceteacher #scienceteachersofinstagram #iteachscience #inthelab

🍭 Candy Salad 🍬 to celebrate our last day in Biology! I sure am going to miss these kids next year, but I’m ready for SUMMER break! ☀️

We have been showered with gifts all week for TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK, but one of my favorites has been this teacher shout-out board. 📣 It has warmed my heart to read the sweet comments left by students. 💜

My forensics class is in the middle of our classroom body farm lab experiment and it’s been so much fun! The class was tasked with creating an experiment that would allow us to make observations about the life cycle of a blow fly and it’s implications to death investigation. These kids went all out and, so far, we’ve gotten fantastic results! Check out my blog post for ALL the details 👇🏼 www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/bodyfarm #forensicscience #forensics #iteachforensics #forensicsteacher #forensicscientist

Need a no-prep resource for EARTH DAY? 🌍 Just print this ecosystem scavenger hunt brochure and take a little tour of an outdoor area around your school! Your students will love getting outside and they’ll be learning too. 🌱 Grab this FREE resource at: www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/earthday #earthday #biologyclass #lifescience #iteachbio #biologyteacher

Welcome to my classroom! 🍎 If you’re new around here, hi 👋! I’m Dana. I’m a high school science teacher that loves teaching and sharing my classroom with teachers around the globe! 🌎 I’d love to know where you are from! Tell me in the comments 👇🏼. I’ll start.

A few years ago, I researched “the spacing effect”- a psychological phenomenon where information is better retained through distributed practice over time. 🧠 After studying the effects it had on student retention, I knew I had to find a way to use it in my biology class. I’ve been using spiral reviews for four years now and the results have been amazing! So amazing, that I want to share it with all of my bio teacher friends! Today, on the blog, I’m sharing the spiral reviews that I use for test prep along with the details on how I implement them for maximum success. Grab my FREE spiral reviews at www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/spiral #biology #biologyteachers #biologyteacher #iteachbiology #biologyteachersofinstagram

My Biology students always get genetic drift confused with natural selection when discussing mechanism of evolution. To help them distinguish between the two phenomena, I had them simulate genetic drift using craft beads and a dice. This really helped my students visualize the effects of genetic drift on small populations. To grab this activity, head to… 🔗 www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/geneticdrift

Do I bribe my students? Of course I do! 😉 When I have to be absent, I expect my students to be on their BEST behavior. To ensure that they follow through on that expectation, I offer a little bribery…. I mean….. incentive 😁 I leave a sub report card that allows the substitute to rate each class. Classes receiving an A+ get rewarded with tickets 🎟️ I have received so many compliments from my subs since I started implementing this system. To get this free sub report card, head over to my blog: www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/sub

Over the years, I have implemented several systems and procedures that have helped make my “teacher life” easier. One of those procedures are these absent trays. When students are absent, I write their names in any worksheets that I handed out that day and put them in these absent drawer (organized by class period). Students know that the procedures for getting make up work after an absence are as follows: ✅ Check Google Classroom ✅ Check the absent drawer (pictured here) This ensures consistency throughout the year and students never have to wonder what we did in class during their absence. GAME. CHANGER. 👏 #teachertips #highschoolteacher #iteachscience #classroomorganization #newteachertips #newteacher

Here’s to FRIDAY and a clean classroom! 🧼 Comment below👇🏼and let me know what your weekend plans are.

Looking for something?

Shop science resources.

• Physical Science
• Classroom Décor
• Professional Development
• Elementary Science
• Shop on TPT

Subscribe to get our latest content by email PLUS exclusive FREEBIES and resources for members!

Join The Trendy Science Teacher team to get these FREE Differentiated Scientific Method Task Cards in both print and digital versions!

• Participate
• The case study

Ilustrated Guide to Home Forensic Science Experiments

Soil analysis, relating the experiments, to the crime.

A shoe print of soil was found at the crime scene.  This soil was collected by students and filed as evidence. The shoe print recovered is thought to belong to the suspect as it matches the shoe they were wearing at the time of arrest.  

Students have been told that the purpose of this test is to establish how the suspect gained access to the crime scene. Five samples of soil were collected from different crime scene access points around the area.

Evidence 6 & 7

The exact locations where the 5 soil samples were collected are marked on the map of the crime scene (1 to 5) and these numbers can be found on the corresponding plastic containers. By carrying out these tests students will be able to confirm how the suspect accessed the crime scene as one of the samples will match the sixth sample which was taken from the shoe print at the scene of the crime.

What you will need

Experiment Guide

OBSERVE AND CATEGORIzE SOIL COLOR

1. Place your reaction plate on a sheet of white paper, and fill a row of wells nearly to the top with portions of your questioned specimen. 2. Compare the color of the questioned specimen with the other soil samples, and record the name of the closest soil sample in your lab notebook. 3. Fill an adjacent row of five wells with your known specimens noting which well contains which known sample. 4. Under even daylight lighting, compare Known #1 (K1) against the questioned specimen (Q1) to determine how closely it matches the unknown specimen. Record a short description (for example, “match,” “close match,” or “no match”) in your lab notebook. 5. Repeat step 4 for K2 through K5, and record your observations in your lab notebook.

EXAMINE SOIL SPECIMENS UNDER MAGNIFICATION

1. If you have not already done so, put on your splash goggles, gloves, and protective clothing. (In this lab session, the purpose of these safety items is less to protect you from the specimens than to protect the specimens from you. Forensic technicians and scientists always wear protective gear to avoid contaminating specimens.) 2. Label six well slides Q1 and K1 through K5, and transfer small amounts of the corresponding soil specimens to each slide. You needn’t fill the well completely. Ideally, you want just enough soil in each well to provide a single layer of particles. 3. Examine each specimen with the magnifier or at low magnification under a stereo microscope. Sometimes, similarities and differences between specimens are more clearly visible at lower magnification. At higher magnification, you may not be able to see the forest for the trees. 4. With the compound microscope set to 40X magnification, observe the questioned soil specimen. Record detailed observations for that specimen in your lab notebook.

DETERMINE SOIL DENSITY

1. Weigh out about 50 g of the dry questioned specimen and record its mass in your lab notebook. 2. Fill the 100 mL graduated cylinder to 50ml with water, using a disposable pipette to add water dropwise until the cylinder contains as close as possible to 50ml. Record this initial volume as accurately as possible in your lab notebook. 3. Using a folded sheet of paper, carefully transfer the weighed questioned soil specimen to the graduated cylinder. Make sure as little as possible of the soil specimen adheres to the walls of the cylinder above the liquid level. Your goal is to make sure all of the soil is immersed in the liquid. If you get air bubbles under the surface of the liquid, tap the cylinder or use the stirring rod to eliminate them. 4. Determine the new liquid volume as accurately as possible and record it in your lab notebook. 5. Subtract the initial volume from the final volume to determine the volume of liquid displaced by the specimen. For example, if the graduated cylinder initially contained 50.4ml and the final volume was 84.2ml, calculate the displaced volume as 84.2 – 50.4 = 33.8ml. Record the displacement volume in your lab notebook. 6. Divide the mass of the specimen by the volume displaced to determine the density of the specimen in grams per millilitre. For example, if your specimen mass was 50.39 g and the displacement volume was 33.8 ml, calculate the density of the specimen as 50.39 g / 33.8 mL = 1.49 g/ml. Record this value in your lab notebook. 7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for each of the known specimens. Compare the density value you obtained for the questioned specimen with those you obtained for the known specimens to determine if one or more of the known specimens is similar in density.

DETERMINE SOIL SETTLING TIME

1. Label six test tubes Q1 and K1 through K5. 2. Transfer the questioned soil specimen to tube Q1 until the tube is about one quarter full. Tap the tube gently to settle the soil specimen. 3. Fill tube Q1 with tap water to about 1 cm from the rim. 4. Agitate the contents of the tube to suspend the soil in the liquid, and immediately note the start time in your lab notebook. Replace the tube in the rack and observe it as the soil settles. 5. When the soil appears to have settled completely, record the finish time in your lab notebook. 6. Subtract the start time from the end time to determine the elapsed time needed for the specimen to settle completely. Record that elapsed time in your lab notebook. 7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for specimens K1 through K5. Unless your specimens settle very quickly, you’ll have time to start some or all of the remaining tubes before settling completes in the first tube. 8. Compare the settling times of the questioned specimen and the known specimens to determine if the questioned specimen is consistent with one or more of the known specimens.

Hair Analysis

Students collected a hair at the crime scene.  It was found on the desk near the entrance. The hair may or may not belong to the suspect.

Students must use the DNA profile of the hair provided and compare it to the DNA profiles in the police database in order to see if it is a match.

Hair may sometimes be individualized by DNA analysis, but even if a specimen cannot be individualized, it may be possible to categorize it quite specifically on the basis of its many class characteristics. Such evidence, although not conclusive, may be quite useful to establish guilt or innocence.

• human scalp hair
• Microscope (40X, 100X, and 400X)
• Transfer sheets

Experiment guide

PROCEDURE II-2-3: MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF HUMAN SCALP HAIR

1 Place the hair specimen on the microscope stage and examine it at 100X. Record your observations in your lab notebook. 2.Increase magnification to 400X and examine the fine internal structure of the hair, noting any details that were not visible at 100X. 3. If you have the necessary equipment, shoot at least three images of the hair specimen: proximal tip, distal tip, and main body. Record the details, including the specimen number, by image filename for each image.

Fiber Analysis

Students collected fiber from an unknown material at the crime scene.  It was found snagged on the door. When the suspect was arrested he was wearing a sweatshirt which was similar in colour to the fiber found at the crime scene.

In order to establish if the fiber found at the crime scene is a match to the type of fiber that the suspect´s sweatshirt is made out of, these tests are carried out thus incriminating the suspect or not.

This experiment involves comparing the fiber found at the scene of the crime to four known fibers (cellulose, cotton, polyester and wool) in order to identify what type of fiber it is.

The analysis carried out has determined the composition of the fibers collected at the crime scene by studying their morphology under the microscope.  The images taken of the collected fibers are as following, in different scales.

Experiments guide

MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF FIBERS AND FABRICS

1. Label a microscope slide with a description of the specimen. 2. Carefully place the fiber onto the slide, then place a coverslip over the specimen and press it into place. 3. Place the specimen on the microscope stage and examine it at 100X, working from one end to the opposite end. (It doesn’t matter if you start from the proximal or distal end, but be consistent.) Record your observations in your lab notebook. 4. Increase magnification to 400X and examine the fine internal structure of the fiber, noting any details that were not visible at 100X. 5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for each fiber specimen.

TEST FIBER SPECIMENS BY BURNING

1. If you have not done so already, put on your goggles, gloves, and protective clothing. 2.Grasp a fiber with your forceps. Burning even one fiber may provide a strong enough odor to be characterized by an experienced examiner. 2. Ignite the burner or lighter, and bring the fiber close to, but not into contact with, the flame. Does the fiber ignite, curl, or melt? Note your observations in your lab notebook in a table. Touch the end of the fiber to the flame. Does the fiber ignite immediately, slowly, or not at all? Does it simply melt, or is there no apparent change? If it burns, does it burn quickly or slowly, smoothly or with a sputtering flame? Note your observations in your lab notebook in the table. 3. Remove the fiber from the flame. Does it continue burning or extinguish? If it continues burning, is there an open flame or does it smolder with a glowing tip? Note your observations in your lab notebook in the table. 6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each known fiber (cellulose, cotton, polyester and wool) 7. Record your observations in your lab notebook. By comparing your results to those you obtained from the known specimens, attempt to identify the fabric type present in the unknown specimen.

Plastic Analysis

RELATING THE EXPERIMENTS TO THE CRIME

Part of a plastic strap was found at the crime scene.  It is thought to be part of a watch or a bracelet which was worn by the suspect.  On arrest the other part was found on the suspect´s person.

Students must ascertain if the strap found and marked as evidence at the crime scene matches the strap found on the suspect.

• Graduated cylinder, 10 mL
• Polyvinylchloride
• Polystyrene
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Questioned specimen

Using a comparison microscope to match the microscopic shatter patterns on the edges of the two fragments can establish beyond reasonable doubt that the two fragments are parts of a whole.

Determine density by displacement

1. Place a weighing paper on your balance pan. Weigh your first plastic specimen and record its mass to the resolution of your balance in your lab notebook. 2. Use a pipette to transfer about 5 mL of water to the 10 mL graduated cylinder. Record the initial volume as accurately as possible in your lab notebook. 3. Carefully add the specimen to the graduated cylinder, making sure that you transfer all of the specimen to the cylinder and that the specimen is fully submerged in the liquid. Record the final volume as accurately as possible in your lab notebook. 4. Subtract the initial volume from the final volume to give the displaced volume, and enter that value in your lab notebook. 5. Divide the mass of the specimen by the displaced volume to determine the density of the specimen, and enter that value in your lab notebook. 6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each of your known and questioned plastic specimens.

Revealing Latent Fingerprints

DUSTING LATENT FINGERPRINTS

1. Wearing gloves and handling the questioned object by the edges or otherwise as required to avoid damaging any latent prints, observe the object by oblique lighting from the desk lamp or other directional light source. Record your observations in your lab notebook and note the approximate location of any latent prints that are made visible by the oblique lighting. 2. Place the object on a clean, flat surface with the suspected location of the latent prints accessible. (Don’t forget to wear gloves.) 3. Choose the dark or light fingerprint dusting powder, according to which will provide better contrast with the color of the surface. 4. Transfer a small amount of the dusting powder into the lid or work directly from the jar that contains the powder. Dip just the tips of the bristles of the brush into the powder so that a small amount of powder is retained by the bristles. Tap the brush gently to return excess powder to the container. 5. Under a strong light, use a circular, twirling motion to sweep the brush gently over the area to be treated allowing the bristles to just barely contact the surface. Continue depositing powder lightly until the latent fingerprint begins to develop, concentrating on that area as it becomes clearer where the latent prints are on the surface. If necessary, add more powder to the brush using the procedure in step 4. When the ridges begin to appear, change the direction of motion to follow the direction of the ridges. Once the fingerprint is developed clearly, stop dusting immediately. Beginners tend to overdevelop prints, which almost invariably causes loss of detail if not loss of the entire print. 6. Use the brush or a puffer bulb gently to remove any excess powder. (Okay, we admit it; we used our mouths to puff off excess powder, but that’s a horrible practice.) You can also use canned air if you do so extremely carefully, keeping the canned air nozzle far enough away from the dusted print to avoid blowing away everything, including the print. If you have a camera, shoot an image of the revealed print.

LIFTING DEVELOPED FINGERPRINTS

1. Choose one of your better developed prints. (If possible, shoot an image of a print before attempting to lift it. Accidents happen.) 2. Wearing gloves, lift the free end from the roll of lifting tape and smoothly pull out about 6 to 7.5 cm (2.5 to 3″) of tape from the roll. Don’t touch the sticky surface of the tape, and do not cut the tape from the roll. 3. Press the free end of the tape into contact with the surface, starting 5 to 6 cm from the nearest part of the dusted print. Make sure the tape adheres firmly to the surface. 4. Beginning at the free end, use your fingers to carefully press the tape down onto the surface, making sure that no air bubbles are trapped. 5. Continue pressing tape onto the surface, unrolling more as necessary, until you have covered the entire print with tape and continued for a couple of centimeters past the print. 6. Using the roll as a handle, peel the tape from the surface using one smooth motion. It helps to put one finger on the free end of the tape to make sure the tape doesn’t curl back on itself. 7. Stick the free end of the tape near one edge of a transfer card of a color that contrasts with powder you used to dust the print. Make sure the free end adheres tightly to the transfer card, and then carefully press the tape into contact with the transfer card, making sure to avoid air bubbles. 8. Cut the used tape from the roll and press the free end into contact with the transfer card. Label the transfer card with your initials, the date and time, and the object from which the print was lifted.

Detecting Blood

A tissue stained with synthetic blood is left at the crime scene. Students will collect it and store it in a paper bag in order to avoid contaminating the evidence.

Students detect the presence of drops of blood using luminol. Once detected, they collect the evidence with a swab and place it in a test tube.

In a 1937 paper, the German chemist Walter Specht was the first to suggest the use of luminol for forensic blood detection. An aqueous or alcoholic solution of luminol and an oxidizer is catalyzed by the iron present in the hemoglobin component of blood to produce 3-aminophthalate (3-APA) in an excited state. Excited 3-APA molecules quickly return to their base state, emitting photons that are visible as a characteristic weak blue luminescence (not fluorescence; in the presence of iron or another catalyst, luminol emits light directly). Luminol is extraordinarily sensitive to the presence of blood, yielding positive results at dilutions as high as 100,000,000:1, and by some reports 1,000,000,000:1. Washing a surface thoroughly or even painting over a bloodstained surface often leaves sufficient traces of blood to yield a positive test with luminol. Unfortunately, this high sensitivity is accompanied by low selectivity. Many materials other than blood—including copper and other metals, laundry bleach, and many food items—yield positive luminol tests that are indistinguishable from positive results caused by actual blood. Interestingly, most body fluids other than blood do not react with luminol.

When luminol is used at a crime scene, cameras and luminescent markers are set up first, the crime scene is darkened, and then luminol solution is sprayed liberally on all surfaces that may have latent bloodstains. Walls are sprayed first to detect spatter patterns, followed by the ceiling to detect cast-off patterns, followed by the floor to detect footprints, drag marks, and so on. Luminol, at least in aqueous solution, is considered nondestructive.

1. Weigh out 2 g of potassium hydroxide and dissolve it with 35 mL of distilled water. 2. Weigh 0,3 g of luminol and add it to the solution. 3. Add 35 mL using 3% H 2 O 2 4. In a dark place pour a drop of synthetic blood onto the solution.  If it is classed as blood luminescence will be observed.

DNA Comparation

Students compare the genetic profile of the DNA corresponding to the blood detected and collected from the crime scen e to the suspect´s in the DNA database.

In order to do so they have to compare the fourth row from the top of the genetic profile to the suspect’s DNA in the police database.

Forensic Drug Testing

Students were told that a white substance was found at the crime scene on the floor. This substance needs to be tested to identify if it is a harmless substance or an illegal drug.

5 samples of substances: acetaminophen (Paracetamol), aspirin, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, ibuprofen.

Evidence 10

TESTING SPECIMENS AGAINST PRESUMPTIVE REAGENTS

1. If you have not already done so, put on your splash goggles, gloves, and protective clothing. 2. Using a clean toothpick for each specimen, transfer a small amount of each of the known and questioned specimens to a separate well of the spot plate. Use the two questioned specimens and the five known specimens supplied with the kit as well as table salt you supply as the sixth known. Use the outer wells for the known specimens and inner wells for the questioned specimens. Record the well numbers and their contents in your lab notebook. 3. Place the spot plate under a strong light, note the start time, and then transfer two drops of Marquis reagent to the first known well. Record the initial color in the well in your lab notebook and observe and record any color transitions that occur over the next 60 seconds. After one minute has elapsed, record the “final” color present in the well in your lab notebook. 4. Repeat step 3 for each other well that contains a known or questioned specimen. At this point, you may be able to tentatively identify one or both of the questioned specimens as being consistent with one or more of the known specimens. 5. Carefully place the populated spot plate in the sink and flood it gently with tap water from a beaker or similar container to rinse away the contents of the populated wells. Once the contents of all wells have been diluted and rinsed away, wash the spot plate thoroughly under running tap water and dry it completely. Make sure the sink is also rinsed thoroughly. 6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 using Mandelin reagent. 7. Repeat steps 1 through 5 using Scott reagent. 8. Could you identify the questioned specimens?

Scott reagent

Dissolve 0.5 g of reagent-grade cobalt thiocyanate in 25 mL of distilled or deionized water.

Mandelin reagent

Dissolve 0.1 g of reagent-grade ammonium metavanadate in 10 mL of reagent-grade concentrated (96% to 98%) sulfuric acid.

Marquis reagent

Add 10 mL of reagent-grade concentrated sulfuric acid to 0.25 mL of reagent-grade 37% formaldehyde solution (formalin).

© 2024 Forensic Science. All Rights Reserved

• The STEM Crisis & Our Solution
• Massachusetts
• Our Supporters
• Description
• School Partners
• Vacation Programs
• Community Outreach
• Homeschool STEM Workshops
• SciSci In The Field
• Growing the Future at EPCOT®
• ACCESS Program
• Teacher Resources
• Family Resources
• Donate to Us
• Join our Team
• Volunteer Opportunities

STEM Explorer Day 2: Mock CSI Crime

Welcome to Day 2 where your STEM Explorer solved a CSI Mock Crime using Forensic Science.

Chromatography Today we were detectives and used paper chromatography to figure out which of five different black pens was used to write the letter left at the crime scene. Paper chromatography is a separation technique in which dots of pigment, in our case ink, are placed on special filter paper and the paper is then dipped into a solvent. We used 70% rubbing alcohol as the solvent, and as the alcohol traveled up the paper, it dissolved the dots of ink and carried them along with it. Since black ink is actually a mixture of several different colors, or pigments, the colors get spread out on the paper because they have different affinities to the paper. At the end of the experiment, we took the papers out of the alcohol and these were our chromatographs. We then were able to compare our chromatographs to the “unknown” chromatograph to figure out which pen was used to write the letter.

Blood Composition and Compatibility

Are you my Type?

Even though blood has been studied for thousands of years, the discovery of different blood types was not made until 1901 when Dr. Karl Landsteiner identified the ABO blood groups. Landsteiner was awarded a Nobel Prize for discovering that each blood type is based on two different antigens, A and B, which are molecules located on the surface of red blood cells.

In today’s lesson, explorers learned all about blood, had an opportunity to view blood cells under the microscope, and participated in a hands-on laboratory activity investigating blood typing. Explorers used simulated blood to determine each of the suspects blood type.  Ask your explorer how they determined the blood type of each suspect!

For an Extension, try this virtual game:

https://www.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/bloodtypinggame/index.html

Hair Identification

Today in class, Explorers acted as forensic scientists by identifying hair samples! First, we discussed who actually has hair (only mammals) and some functions of hair on animal bodies (e.g., for UV protection, for camouflage, for sensory tools like whiskers).

Then Explorers examined cards with microscope images of unknown hair samples and compared them with a master key of hair medullas in order to determine the species of each hair sample. Once they were hair experts – and could tell a dog hair from a rabbit hair – explorers determined what type of hair was left at the crime scene.

Exploring Fingerprints

No two fingerprints are exactly alike. But why are they different and how do forensic scientists use them to solve crimes? In this lesson, we took a close look at the unique features of fingerprints. Explorers learned that fingerprints come in 3 basic varieties: arch, loop, and whorl. The majority of people have loops, while only 4% of the population has arches. Fingerprinting has been used to catch criminals for over 100 years. Plastic, patent, and latent prints are three types of fingerprint evidence that can be found at a crime scene. Explorers even had a chance to try their skill at taking their own fingerprints and learned how to dust and lift prints. Perhaps a career in forensics is in your explorer’s future?

Chemical Identification—Identifying the Unknown

Today, we examined six white powdery substances and performed experiments to help us identify what each one could be. The six substances were all very common household items- baking soda, cornstarch, sugar, salt, chalk, and borax. We examined which of these substances were soluble in water and in alcohol, which ones reacted with vinegar and which ones turned a color in the presence of iodine. We found that each white powder has its own set of characteristic physical properties and chemical interactions with our test solutions. For example, baking soda reacted vigorously with vinegar (ever tried a homemade volcano? It’s usually baking soda and vinegar that create the bubbling “eruption”), while cornstarch turned a cool blue color when we added iodine to it. We learned that “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” any more than you can judge what a white powder is by just looking at it. In both cases, experimentation or further analysis is needed to find the true identity of an unknown!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• News and Events

Latest Posts

Job applications.

[email protected]

533 Airport Blvd, Suite 135 Burlingame, CA 94010

MASSACHUSETTS

16 Tower Office Park Woburn, MA 01801

9001 E Bloomington Fwy, Suite #139 Bloomington MN 55420

FOR FAMILIES

For teachers.

Copyright © 2014 - 2022 Science From Scientists - All rights reserved.

Website by Modern Leaf Design

Sciencing_Icons_Science SCIENCE

Sciencing_icons_biology biology, sciencing_icons_cells cells, sciencing_icons_molecular molecular, sciencing_icons_microorganisms microorganisms, sciencing_icons_genetics genetics, sciencing_icons_human body human body, sciencing_icons_ecology ecology, sciencing_icons_chemistry chemistry, sciencing_icons_atomic & molecular structure atomic & molecular structure, sciencing_icons_bonds bonds, sciencing_icons_reactions reactions, sciencing_icons_stoichiometry stoichiometry, sciencing_icons_solutions solutions, sciencing_icons_acids & bases acids & bases, sciencing_icons_thermodynamics thermodynamics, sciencing_icons_organic chemistry organic chemistry, sciencing_icons_physics physics, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-physics fundamentals, sciencing_icons_electronics electronics, sciencing_icons_waves waves, sciencing_icons_energy energy, sciencing_icons_fluid fluid, sciencing_icons_astronomy astronomy, sciencing_icons_geology geology, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-geology fundamentals, sciencing_icons_minerals & rocks minerals & rocks, sciencing_icons_earth scructure earth structure, sciencing_icons_fossils fossils, sciencing_icons_natural disasters natural disasters, sciencing_icons_nature nature, sciencing_icons_ecosystems ecosystems, sciencing_icons_environment environment, sciencing_icons_insects insects, sciencing_icons_plants & mushrooms plants & mushrooms, sciencing_icons_animals animals, sciencing_icons_math math, sciencing_icons_arithmetic arithmetic, sciencing_icons_addition & subtraction addition & subtraction, sciencing_icons_multiplication & division multiplication & division, sciencing_icons_decimals decimals, sciencing_icons_fractions fractions, sciencing_icons_conversions conversions, sciencing_icons_algebra algebra, sciencing_icons_working with units working with units, sciencing_icons_equations & expressions equations & expressions, sciencing_icons_ratios & proportions ratios & proportions, sciencing_icons_inequalities inequalities, sciencing_icons_exponents & logarithms exponents & logarithms, sciencing_icons_factorization factorization, sciencing_icons_functions functions, sciencing_icons_linear equations linear equations, sciencing_icons_graphs graphs, sciencing_icons_quadratics quadratics, sciencing_icons_polynomials polynomials, sciencing_icons_geometry geometry, sciencing_icons_fundamentals-geometry fundamentals, sciencing_icons_cartesian cartesian, sciencing_icons_circles circles, sciencing_icons_solids solids, sciencing_icons_trigonometry trigonometry, sciencing_icons_probability-statistics probability & statistics, sciencing_icons_mean-median-mode mean/median/mode, sciencing_icons_independent-dependent variables independent/dependent variables, sciencing_icons_deviation deviation, sciencing_icons_correlation correlation, sciencing_icons_sampling sampling, sciencing_icons_distributions distributions, sciencing_icons_probability probability, sciencing_icons_calculus calculus, sciencing_icons_differentiation-integration differentiation/integration, sciencing_icons_application application, sciencing_icons_projects projects, sciencing_icons_news news.

• Share Tweet Email Print
• Home ⋅
• Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students ⋅

High School Forensics Science Fair Project Ideas

Projects on Forensic Science

Forensic science is an interesting subject at the intersection of science and law. Through some simple science fair investigations, high school students can learn a lot about how forensic investigators gather and analyze clues at crime scenes. These science fair projects can explore, among other things, the proper analyses of fingerprints, bite marks and blood spatters.

Difference in Fingerprint Types Between Males and Females

Human fingerprints show many different patterns, such as arches, whorls and loops. The different types of fingerprints occur at different frequencies throughout the population based on certain biological factors. This project focuses on determining whether gender influences the frequency of the fingerprint types.

To complete this project, you will need fingerprinting pads and fingerprint charts where you can take fingerprints from different people and keep track of their genders.

Start by enlisting the help of 30 girls and 30 boys. Take the fingerprints from all of these test subjects. Count the numbers of arches, loops and whorls among the samples from the boys, and do the same for the girls. Perform a chi-squared test to determine whether there are significant differences in the various fingerprint categories. For the chi-squared test, use the numbers of fingerprint types for the boys as the expected values and the numbers of fingerprint types for the girls as the observed values.

Blood Spatter Patterns

Forensic investigators can determine a lot about the nature of a violent crime by analyzing the patterns in blood spatters. You can learn about what they can know by performing some simple experiments.

For this project, you should create a 50/50 mixture of corn syrup and water colored with red food coloring for use as "blood" in your investigation. You will also need an eyedropper, a large white poster board, a meter stick and a protractor. You will determine the lengths of streaks of blood created by drops of "blood" falling from different heights and at different angles to the poster board.

To collect data, prop the poster board against a wall and use the eyedropper to drop one drop of blood on it. Use your meter stick to measure the height from which the blood was dropped and your protractor to measure angle at which the blood struck the poster board. Then use the meter stick to measure the length of the blood streak that occurred when the blood struck the poster board. Write down your data. Conduct many more trials by varying the height from which the blood was dropped and record all your data in a table labeled "Height versus Spatter Length." Then select a constant height and conduct more trials while varying the angle each time. Record these data in a table labeled "Angle of Incidence versus Spatter Length." When you have recorded sufficient data, see whether you can determine algebraic or trigonometric relationships between height or angle and spatter length.

Bite Mark Analysis

Forensic odontologists can learn a lot about the victims and suspects involved in crimes by analyzing any bite marks that were discovered as evidence. A bite mark is as unique as a fingerprint. One good science fair project would be to determine whether there are any standard differences between the bite marks of males versus females.

For this project you will need 30 foam plates. Cut them in half to create 60 bite mark templates.

Collect data by asking 30 females of the same age to create bite marks by firmly biting down on the Styrofoam plates. Then ask 30 males to do the same. Measure the distances between the canines of each female bite mark and do the same for the males. Then draw a line on each bite mark that connects the rear-most molars. Measure the depths of all the female bite marks by measuring the distance from the front incisors to the rear-molar line. Do the same for the male bite marks. Calculate averages and standard deviations for the data from the females and males and compare the two. Look for differences that could be useful in identifying a male versus female bite mark.

When conducting this investigation, be sure to use soap to sterilize all plates before and after the bite marks are collected to avoid spreading germs.

Related Articles

How to determine height through the skeleton, how to read a titer report, science projects on dominant & recessive genes, chemicals used in forensic science, ideas for a comparison science project, human anatomy projects, forensic science kits for your budding detective, detective science experiments for kids, how to teach kids to read a ruler, how to calculate girth, science projects with cats, how to calculate a test average, how do i calculate repeatability, types of forensic tests, science fair project on color blindness, science projects on which paper towel is the strongest, music science fair project ideas, what statistical analysis do i run when comparing three..., teenage girl science fair ideas.

• ODEC: Fingerprint Patterns
• GraphPad: Chi-squared Test

About the Author

Timothy Banas has a master's degree in biophysics and was a high school science teacher in Chicago for seven years. He has since been working as a trading systems analyst, standardized test item developer, and freelance writer. As a freelancer, he has written articles on everything from personal finances to computer technology.

Find Your Next Great Science Fair Project! GO

Your browser is not supported

Sorry but it looks as if your browser is out of date. To get the best experience using our site we recommend that you upgrade or switch browsers.

Find a solution

• Skip to main content
• Skip to navigation

• Back to parent navigation item
• Primary teacher
• Secondary/FE teacher
• Early career or student teacher
• Higher education
• Curriculum support
• Literacy in science teaching
• Periodic table
• Interactive periodic table
• Climate change and sustainability
• Resources shop
• Collections
• Remote teaching support
• Starters for ten
• Screen experiments
• Assessment for learning
• Microscale chemistry
• Faces of chemistry
• Classic chemistry experiments
• Nuffield practical collection
• Anecdotes for chemistry teachers
• On this day in chemistry
• Global experiments
• PhET interactive simulations
• Chemistry vignettes
• Context and problem based learning
• Journal of the month
• Chemistry and art
• Art analysis
• Pigments and colours
• Ancient art: today's technology
• Psychology and art theory
• Art and archaeology
• Artists as chemists
• The physics of restoration and conservation
• Ancient Egyptian art
• Ancient Greek art
• Ancient Roman art
• Classic chemistry demonstrations
• In search of solutions
• In search of more solutions
• Creative problem-solving in chemistry
• Solar spark
• Chemistry for non-specialists
• Health and safety in higher education
• Analytical chemistry introductions
• Exhibition chemistry
• Introductory maths for higher education
• Commercial skills for chemists
• Kitchen chemistry
• Journals how to guides
• Chemistry in health
• Chemistry in sport
• Chemistry in your cupboard
• Chocolate chemistry
• Adnoddau addysgu cemeg Cymraeg
• The chemistry of fireworks
• Festive chemistry
• Education in Chemistry
• Teach Chemistry
• On-demand online
• Live online
• Selected PD articles
• PD for primary teachers
• PD for secondary teachers
• What we offer
• Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach)
• Teacher mentoring
• UK Chemistry Olympiad
• Who can enter?
• How does it work?
• Resources and past papers
• Top of the Bench
• Schools' Analyst
• Regional support
• Education coordinators
• RSC Yusuf Hamied Inspirational Science Programme
• RSC Education News
• Supporting teacher training
• Interest groups

• More navigation items

Forensic Analysis: Laboratory and Pre-laboratory Manual

• No comments

Pre laboratory exercises and laboratory practicals in Forensic Analysis.

Forensic analysis laboratory manual

Tutor guides and further information.

• Practical experiments
• Investigation
• Analytical chemistry
• Applications of chemistry
• Chromatography
• Spectroscopy

Related articles

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) web experience

2014-07-03T11:00:00Z

An online game that introduces forensic science and toxicology in a fun interactive way.

What’s the world’s strongest glue?

2024-07-19T05:32:00Z By Kit Chapman

Find out about the world’s stickiest glue and how adhesives bond things together

Improve your learners’ NMR interpretation skills

2024-07-11T04:59:00Z By Fraser Scott

Encourage students to determine and draw the structures of simple organic molecules with this free, online resource

No comments yet

Only registered users can comment on this article., more resources.

Fractional distillation and hydrocarbons | Review my learning worksheets | 14–16 years

By Lyn Nicholls

Identify learning gaps and misconceptions with this set of worksheets offering three levels of support

Chromatography | Review my learning worksheets | 14–16 years

2024-05-10T13:33:00Z By Lyn Nicholls

Solubility | Review my learning worksheets | 14–16 years

• Contributors
• Email alerts

Site powered by Webvision Cloud

• Earth Science
• Physics & Engineering
• Science Kits
• Microscopes
• Science Curriculum and Kits
• About Home Science Tools

Science Projects > Chemistry Projects > Forensic Science & CSI for Kids  

Forensic Science & CSI for Kids

Modern techniques for solving forensic cases started to develop in the late 19th century. In the 1890s Francis Dalton summed up earlier studies in a book about fingerprints, demonstrating that each person has unique prints that do not change with age.

At the same time, Argentina became the first country to use fingerprinting in criminal cases. In 1904 the New York City police force began collecting the fingerprints of prisoners. Then the first crime lab, using scientific techniques to examine evidence, opened in France in 1910. Since then, equipment has improved with technology, incorporating computers and other high-tech instruments.

Almost every scientific field could be involved in forensics in some way. Here are just a few of the professionals who might work on a case: chemists, psychologists, pathologists (disease), botanists (plants), odontologists (teeth), entomologists (insects), and anthropologists (humans). So if you study forensics, you might use physics for comparing densities and investigating bullet impact; chemistry for identifying unknown substances, such as white powder that could be a drug; biology for identifying blood and DNA; and earth science for soil evidence.

The foundational principle of forensics is that a person always brings something to the crime scene and always leaves something.

Often this is in the form of trace evidence : hair, fiber from clothing, chips of paint or glass, residue, and other “traces” of who was there. Hair evidence is examined in a lab under a compound microscope.

Experts look at the color and shape of hair, but they also find out what stage of growth the hair was at in order to determine how it was left behind. At the last stage, it might have been shed naturally. But if the hair was at an early stage, it might have been torn out by hard physical contact. Think of situations where different kinds of hair – not just human – might be good clues.

In cases of violent or suspicious deaths, a medical examiner looks at the victim.

The examiner uses body temperature, the presence of bacteria, how digested the victim’s food is, and other means to find out when the person died. He also looks for wounds or marks that suggest a struggle, and does an autopsy to examine the inside of the body as well.

In cases where a death might be murder made to look like suicide, an investigator uses signs in the victim’s body. In a drowning death, are there diatoms (microscopic water creatures) inside the body, from swallowing water? If so, do they match the diatoms found in the water where the body was?

In the case of a burning, is there carbon monoxide, from smoke inhalation, in the bloodstream? If there is not, this would suggest that the person was already dead before the fire.

Identification is essential for getting the right suspect, but each victim has to be identified, too. In both cases, fingerprints, birthmarks, scars, tattoos, bones, and teeth can be used.

Although fingerprinting is often useful for nailing down a suspect, not everyone has had his or her fingerprints recorded, and the police might not have access to someone’s prints. One method that is more useful than fingerprinting is dental imprints. Teeth marks made by a criminal or teeth from a dead body can be used for accurate identification, even if only partial evidence is left. The teeth or bite marks are compared to dental records, especially X-rays. After the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, dentists were able to identify about 25% of the victims based on teeth recovered from the site.

Science Project: Forensic Science Experiments

Study a crime scene of your own.

See how many clues you can identify in your own “crime scene.” Choose a room (e.g., kitchen, living room, bedroom) or part of a room and go over it carefully, finding any trace evidence such as hair, clothing fibers, and chips of paint. You can collect these with a pair of tweezers and place them in envelopes or Ziplock bags to identify later. Are there any prints or scuff marks on the floor from shoes? Bits of soil or rock that might have been tracked in? To be thorough, record all of these clues and make sketches in an investigation notebook.

If you have a microscope, compare different kinds of hair at high power magnification. (You can also use a 10x or stronger magnifying glass.) Examine different cloth fibers, too – try cotton, wool, and rayon or acetate. Make a wet mount of the hair or fibers by putting a drop of water on a microscope slide , adding the specimen, and pressing a cover slip down on top. What does each specimen look like? Is it smooth or rough? How do the ends look? Compare miscellaneous hair and fibers you pick up from the carpet or couch. Can you tell what kinds of fibers they are? Where did they likely come from?

Check out any dental evidence in your crime scene. Then, if you have some willing suspects, make impressions of their bites and compare the impressions to the evidence you found. A simple way to make impressions is to carefully bite down into an apple or other soft food, but you can also bite into a folded sheet of white paper with a piece of carbon paper inside. Be sure to get both back and front teeth in the bite impression.

Prints All Over the Place

You can learn how to lift fingerprints at home (and we don’t mean with the ink and stamp method!). Some fingerprints are visible – you can see marks left on a surface by dirty or oily fingers. Dusting is usually used for this type. Other prints are latent – you can’t see them, but there are marks left by sweat and other organic residue from fingers. Fuming is often used for these.

If you have a magnifying glass, inspect your fingers. The unique patterns on your fingertips are caused by ridges in the dermis , the bottom layer of your skin. These patterns are fully developed in human beings just seven months after conception, while the fetus is still in the womb. The three typical patterns are loops , whorls , and arches . Your fingerprints are different than anyone else’s, but did you know that fingerprint patterns tend to run in the family? If your fingerprints are a whorled pattern, one of your parents probably has a whorled pattern, too. It’s just not exactly like yours!

To dust for fingerprints, sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on dark surfaces and cocoa powder on light surfaces (like the outside of a drinking glass) where there are visible prints. You can use a small paint or makeup brush with very soft bristles to gently swipe off the excess powder and leave the print. Use clear tape, sticky side down, to lift the print and then stick it to an opposite-colored paper. What kinds of patterns do you see?

Another method for collecting fingerprints is called fuming .

Certain chemical fumes react with the sweat and other organic residue left in latent fingerprints. You can experiment with this yourself: all you need is an aluminum pie plate or square of aluminum foil folded in fourths, a glass jar, superglue, and a smooth object like a pen or a marker lid.

Wipe down the object, then hold it for a minute so that your fingers leave latent prints. Set the object inside the jar. Next, put several drops of superglue on the middle of the pie plate and turn the jar upside down over it. The strong chemical fumes from the cyanoacrylate in the glue will react with the residue from your fingers. You should see white fingerprint images on the object after a half hour or so. Professionals also use ninhydrin (which reacts with amino acids in latent prints) and silver nitrate powder developed under a UV light.

Fingerprint everyone in your house. What patterns are most common? Based on your latent and visible fingerprint collection, which surfaces “reveal” prints best? (To make these fingerprint records, it will be easiest to use ink or marker rubbed onto the fingertips and then stamped onto a white paper or card.)

Who Wrote It?

Chromatography is used to identify different inks. Say someone committed a crime by changing the dollar amount on a check. Using chromatography, an investigator could tell whether more than one ink pen was used to write on the check and whether the suspect’s ink pen could have been used. How does it work? Well, ink is not really made up of one color: there are actually different pigments making up one ink. In chromatography, the ink is soaked in a solution so that the different pigments will “bleed” apart and the true colors be revealed. (As you might guess, there is a drawback: the evidence is destroyed in the process.)

You can see how chromatography works by doing this experiment . Fill a tall glass half way with water. Cut 3-4 strips of filter paper or of a heavy paper towel and attach the ends to a stiff piece of wire or a stick that can rest over the top of the glass. Next, make a large dot of ink about 1/2 an inch from the bottom of the strips, using a different brand of black marker, felt-tip pen, or ink pen for each strip. Set the strips in the glass so that the ends touch the water but the ink dots are above the water level. As the water soaks up into the paper, the ink will begin to separate into different colors. Note that some inks are not water-soluble; if the ink does not bleed, try using either nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol (stronger solvents that can dissolve the bonds in the ink) instead of water.

You can also look at “suspect” paper itself – are there watermarks or imprints from writing on top? Professionals also study handwriting and can analyze a sample of disguised writing to see if it has characteristics that match a suspect’s normal writing.

Flashback in History: Forensic Science & Archaeology

Forensic scientists don’t just work at crime investigations. They play a key role in understanding anthropological and archaeological finds, such as the so-called ice people and bog people – ancient bodies found either frozen or preserved in bogs. Both bogs and ice prevent bacteria growth that would rot bodies. Bogs also contains acids that tan a body’s skin like leather. Once these naturally-mummified bodies are found, scientists examine them for clues to their past. Did they die violent deaths? What did they eat? What did they do for a living? Forensics can help answer these questions, although sometimes the evidence is not enough to make conclusive judgments.

Studying the bones of a person can tell a lot about them. The shape of the pelvis and overall size of the skeleton indicates whether the body belonged to a man or a woman – women have a broader pelvis and men tend to have heavier bones. Forensic anthropologists who specialize in bones can often determine cause of death and even tell by scar tissue whether bones had been broken and healed.

Other scientists who solve archeological mysteries include botanists and pathologists. Botanists can identify trace amounts of fiber or pollen on clothing or even in a stomach’s contents, and pathologists can tell if a body suffered disease and whether it was killed or died naturally.

Science Activities

Spend hours investigating all sorts of mysteries with My First Lab’s Whodunnit? Detective Microscope Kit or explore these classroom crime scene scenarios .

Welcome! Read other Chemistry articles or explore the rest of the Resource Center, which consists of hundreds of free science articles!

Shop for Chemistry Supplies!

Home Science tools offers a wide variety of Chemistry products and kits. Find affordable beakers, test tubes, chemicals, kits, and everything else you need for lab experiments.

Related Articles

Science Fair Projects for 7th Graders

Science Fair Projects for 7th Graders​​ Science fair projects for 7th graders are a step up in complexity. Because 7th graders have a better grasp of science concepts, they’re expected to practice the scientific method in the way they approach their experiments–which...

Home Science Experiments for Preschoolers

Home Science Experiments for Preschoolers Home science experiments for preschoolers are a great way to pique your child’s curiosity, teach them valuable knowledge, and allow them to have some fun in the comfort of their own home. There are plenty of activities your...

Easy Science Fair Projects for Kids

Easy Science Fair Projects for Kids Science fairs are a long-standing tradition that provide kids with the opportunity to better understand practical concepts in fun and innovative ways. The great thing about the experiments presented at these events is that they...

How to Make a Pollinator Hotel

Have you ever wondered how you can help provide habitat for pollinators like honey bees and butterflies in your back yard? Learn how to make a pollinator hotel with this step-by-step guide and lesson. Pollinators are animals that help move pollen. Most pollinators are...

Valentine’s Day Science Projects

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to inspire your student’s LOVE for science! Engage your kids with science concepts such as diffusion, density, and surfactants. These three, hands-on science projects include the Dancing Conversational Hearts, Rainbow Heart, and...

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Get project ideas and special offers delivered to your inbox.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

• Classroom Ideas
• Teacher’s Life
• Deals & Shopping
• Privacy Policy

12 Forensic Science Activities For Kids: Exploring Prints, DNA, Evidences, And Forensics

March 20, 2024 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

Forensic science activities are an excellent way to engage students in learning while sparking their curiosity in various scientific fields. These hands-on activities foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific curiosity- making learning enjoyable and interactive for students of all grade levels. In this article, we present a range of exciting forensic science activities that can be easily incorporated into your classroom; helping you foster an immersive, educational experience for your students.

Elementary School (Grades K-5)

Learning Objectives: Develop observation skills, understand basic forensic concepts, and cultivate scientific curiosity.

1. Fingerprint Fun

Ignite curiosity by showing students how to dust for fingerprints and then prompt them to marvel at their unique patterns. Dive into the fascinating world of fingerprint analysis and let young minds uncover the secrets of this essential forensic tool.

Modification: Use washable ink pads for younger students.

Learn More: Kcedventures

2. Mini Crime Scene Sleuths

Transform your classroom into an intriguing mock crime scene- urging young detectives to observe, document, and analyze the intricate details. Watch as they sharpen their critical thinking skills and learn the importance of careful observation in solving mysteries.

Modification: Simplify the crime scene for younger students or those with special needs.

Learn More: Poet Prints

3. Shoe Print Spies

Unravel hidden secrets in shoe print patterns at a simulated crime scene; letting students experience firsthand the value of this evidence in forensic investigations. Guide them through comparisons and pattern analysis whilst teaching them the significance of seemingly simple clues.

Modification: Use pre-made shoe print templates for students with limited motor skills.

Learn More: Teaching Displays

4. Mysterious Powder Mania

Embark on a captivating adventure with household powders as students transform into forensic chemists and identify mysterious substances. Teach them the basics of chemical analysis in forensics while fostering their scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Safety Note: Ensure students wear gloves and goggles while handling substances.

Learn More: Teach Me Mommy

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Learning Objectives: Enhance observation and analysis skills, explore various forensic techniques, and develop an understanding of forensic science applications.

5. Chromatography Detective

Delve into the vibrant world of chromatography as students separate ink colors in a mysterious note. Teach them the importance of ink analysis in solving cases while fostering an appreciation for the science behind everyday items.

Modification: Provide pre-cut filter paper strips for students with limited motor skills.

Learn More: Web Innate

6. Bone Identification Quest

Let students explore the captivating realm of forensic anthropology by examining and classifying various animal bones. Teach them to analyze skeletal features and understand the crucial role bones play in uncovering the past.

Modification: Provide labeled bone replicas for students who need additional guidance.

7. Document Examination Expedition

Equip your students with magnifying glasses and UV lights and send them on a thrilling mission to investigate altered or forged documents. Encourage them to analyze subtle differences and discover how keen observation can crack even the toughest cases.

Modification: Provide enlarged copies of documents for students with visual impairments.

8. Arson Investigation Adventure

Delve into the fascinating world of fire forensics by analyzing simulated fire patterns to determine the cause and origin of a fire. Teach students about the importance of this field in solving arson cases while emphasizing proper safety precautions.

Safety Note: Use images or videos of fire patterns rather than live demonstrations for safety purposes.

High School (Grades 9-12):

Learning Objectives: Develop advanced forensic analysis skills, understand the practical applications of forensic science, and explore various forensic career paths.

9. DNA Extraction Extravaganza

Captivate students with the wonders of DNA as they extract it from fruits or vegetables. Demonstrate the process used in forensic labs and show them the crucial role genetic evidence plays in solving crimes.

Safety Note: Ensure students wear gloves and goggles while handling chemicals and materials.

Learn More: Explore UT

10. Ballistics Gel Bonanza

Create ballistics gel and demonstrate the effect of projectiles on different materials; providing students with a hands-on understanding of the science behind ballistics and its impact on forensic investigations.

Modification: Use non-toxic, pre-made gelatin or silicone molds for students with allergies or sensitivities.

Learn More: Youtube

11. Fiber Forensics

Analyze various fabric fibers under a microscope to determine their origin; immersing students in the intricate world of fiber forensics. Encourage them to explore the significant role that fibers play in solving crimes- from clothing to carpet fibers, your students will explore them all!

Modification: Provide pre-mounted fiber slides for students with limited fine motor skills.

Learn More: Study

12. Handwriting Analysis Adventure

Examine different handwriting samples and challenge students to identify the author of a suspicious note. Teach them the importance of handwriting analysis in forensic investigations and how this skill can reveal hidden secrets.

Modification: Provide handwriting analysis worksheets for students who need additional guidance or practice.

Log In Join Now

• Other STEM Subjects Other STEM Subjects View all
• Robotics Robotics View all
• Video Games Video Games View all
• Wind Energy Wind Energy View all
• Enter search terms

Crime Scene Investigation Activities

Have your students check out this project and find out how math and anthropology come together to solve crimes. 

• From https://www.learner.org/courses/learningmath/data/session7/part_a/further.html
• Added April 21, 2016
• Tags research discovery

Take a Tour of a Forensic Biology Lab

If you want to learn all about forensics and how to solve mysteries and crimes using the science of forensics, take a virtual tour of this lab! You will meet the scientists, learn the…

• From adfs.alabama.gov

Handwriting Analysis

For forensic scientists, any characteristic of people can give them clues, including a person’s handwriting.  Document examiners investigate handwriting to find out if documents are f…

• From forensics.rice.edu

Change Blindness Demonstration

Do your students think they can spot differences in photos? Well, let them try this one! Let your students learn all about change blindness with this fun activity! 

• From cogsci.uci.edu

CSI Web Adventure

This activity is a game that allows students to get hands on experience while learning about the CSI. 

• From ebadventures.rice.edu
• Added September 10, 2015
• Tags Crime Scene Investigation

Double Dutch Brain Game

This fun activity is a double dutch brain game to challenge your brain's spatial awareness abilities. Students will have fun and learn at the same time! 

• From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiEzf3J4iFk
• Added June 2, 2015
• Tags discovery research

SMU CSI Camps

SMU CSI camps are for 6th and 7th grade students, and they are a ton of fun! There are four sessions of this camp, and applications are closing on April 24th!

• From smu.edu
• Added April 7, 2015
• Tags discovery Crime Scene Investigation

Fingerprint Classification

Students will learn about fingerprint classification. By taking fingerprints and making observations, students will follow the scientific method to devise a fingerprint classification…

• From leladavidson.hubpages.com
• Added February 10, 2015
• Tags discovery

Dusting for Fingerprints

In this activity, students will learn how to dust for fingerprints. This will allow the students to understand the importance of fingerprint classification.

• From cyberbee.com
• Added December 11, 2014

Crime Scene Investigation Foundations of Law Integrated Unit

In this unit, students take on the role of crime scene investigators to solve a murder that has occurred at the school. They will integrate math, science, and language arts into the s…

• From connectedcalifornia.org
• Added August 27, 2014

Go Cognitive Change Blindness Game

During crime scene investigations, eye witnesses can be really helpful in identifying who the perpetrator of a crime is. The problem is that people aren't always very oberservant and …

• From gocognitive.net
• Added February 26, 2013

2012 USA Science and Engineering Festival: Discover Your Unique Fingerprint

Lesson Title: Discover Your Unique Fingerprint Grade Level: 6th-7th grade Estimated Time: 30 minutes Lesson Description: This activity will teach students about one way crime…

• Added April 26, 2012

2012 USA Science and Engineering Festival: Paper Chromatography Activity

Lesson Title: Paper Chromatography Lab Grade Level: 6th-7th grade Estimated time: 30 minutes Lesson Description: Send your students to the USA Science and Engineering Festiva…

Paper Towel Chromatography

This fun experiment allows kids to see a glimpse of what chromatography, the study of different compounds, is about.

• From pbskids.org
• Added January 25, 2012

High School Forensics

  Here are a few fun projects your kids can do that involve forensic investigation. They are intended as science projects, but they can do them at any time! Click on the link to…

• From ehow.com
• Added January 23, 2012

Projects on Forensic Science

Here are three fun projects that kids can do that involve forensic investigation. They include a forensic psychology experiment, a blood experiment, and an ink evidence experiment. Cl…

This project demonstrates how imprints are created. Students can learn how dinosaur (and other animal) tracks were formed through this fun project. 

• From education.com

Electronic Lie Detector

In this video, your students can watch kids just like themselves building their own lie detectors, devices that measure physical changes in the body that might indicate when a person …

• From sciencetoymaker.org

Fingerprint Merit Badge for Boy Scouts

This project will enable a Boy Scout to earn a merit badge, but it’s relevant for non-Scouts too.  It will give your students a short history of fingerprinting, tell them the differen…

• From onin.com

Foot to Height

Have your students check out this project and find out how math and anthropology come together to solve crimes.  They will learn the answers to questions like, "If a forensic scientis…

Powder Analysis

Identifying evidence at a crime scene has to be done in a way that will allow people to use that evidence in court.  In this situation, a police officer found an unidentified white po…

CSI Science: Get the Prints!

Have your students practice lifting fingerprints off of objects using a few tools found around the house.  Then see if they can trace the prints back to the person who left them.

Create a DNA Fingerprint

DNA can tell us a lot about the world around us and who has done what. Using this interactive lab, students can learn how to make a DNA fingerprint, evaluate evidence, and solve a crime!

• From pbs.org

Canine Intelligence

Have your students ever wondered how smart their dogs are?  The girls in this video did, so they put their dogs to the test.  Have your students try out the tests on their own dogs, t…

Crime Scene: The Case of the Barefoot Burglar

Kids get to solve the crime of the barefoot burglar in this game. By clicking on the different areas in the kitchen, kids can scan for various clues that will point them to the correc…

• Added May 6, 2011

The Art of Crime Detection

Did you know that our brains are made up of two separate hemispheres and that each one interprets different types of data? Learn more about this and more in this interactive game abou…

• From eduweb.com

Reconstruct a Skull

This presentation teaches kids how to reconstruct a skull. Crime scene analysts will often have to reconstruct skeletal bones in order to figure out the identity of the victim. Click …

• From romans.tulliehouse.co.uk

Perp Walk - A Game of Science and Lies

This game teaches kids how the interrogating process works when trying to pin a suspect for a crime. Click on the link to try this fun and interactive game.

• From fffbi.com

Ink Chromatography Lab

Here's an activity where kids can learn how to extract ink from a secret message using various household items. Click on the link to find out more!

• From shodor.org

Who was the culprit that spread the flu and made everyone sick? Have your child figure it out by following the clues and inputting the data into the graph generator. Click on the link…

The Adler Food Mystery

Here's an activity for kids that involves solving a solving a mystery .They are given documents to analyze and witness interview. They must deduce from the evidence who committed the …

Iris Recognition

Objective In this activity you will gain experience with iris recognition and explore ocular metrics. Learn more by reading Iris Recognition. Equipment Digital Camera Noteboo…

• Added April 29, 2011

Face Recognition - Features and Measurements

Objective You will gain more experience with face recognition and take measurement of your own face. Learn more by reading Face Recognition.  Equipment Face Pictures from Fac…

SMU CSI Camp: Fingerprint Recognition

Objective This activity give kids an opportunity to gain experience with fingerprint recognition. Refer to Fingerprint Matching to learn about the different characteristics of fing…

• Added April 28, 2011

SMU CSI Camp: Phone GPS Location

Objective You will use trilateration to find the location of objects, just like how cell phone towers find your phone's position. Learn more about finding a location by reading Pho…

SMU CSI Camps: Speech Recognition Signal Representation

Objective In this activity kids will get to see signal representation of speech. They will learn about frequency and why speech differs. Learn more about signal represenation by re…

SMU CSI Camps: Practicing with Face Detection

Objective: Practicing with Face Detection In this part you will gain experience with face recognition software. Learn more information about face detection in Face Recognition. …

SMU CSI Camps: Paleontology Activity

Background In this activity you will get to measure bones to figure out the height of the skeleton. It only takes one bone's measurement to apporixamate a person's height! Read Pal…

SMU CSI Camps: Speech Recognition

Objective Speech is produced using the lungs, vocal tract, and mouth making it so that each and every one of us have a unique voice. In this activity kids can get experience with s…

Forensic Science Experiments

In this activity, kids can learn techniques on how to analyze a room for clues. Kids will learn how to inspect for clues like fingerprints or DNA samples.

• From hometrainingtools.com
• Added March 11, 2011

CSI: The Experience Web Adventure

This is a game-like activity where kids can follow the experts from the TV show CSI to learn about how forensic science helps solve crimes.

• Added February 25, 2011

Scavenger Hunt at the International Spy Museum

Lead your students on a scavenger hunt through the International Spy Museum, where they will follow clues, solve problems, and decode messages hidden throughout -- just like real spies!

• From spymuseum.org
• Added September 2, 2010

Evidence - How Do We Know What We Know

San Francisco's Exploratorium hosts this interactive online exhibit which allows students to examine the process of how, through investigation and observation, ideas and information b…

• From exploratorium.edu

Become a Junior Ranger at the Petroglyph National Monument

The Petroglyph National Monument has an online interactive program that teaches kids all about its petroglyphs. The program has questions throughout, and if they do well enough, they …

• From nps.gov

Browse Activities

• All Subjects
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Extreme Weather
• Medical Innovations
• Other STEM Subjects
• The Animal Kingdom
• Under the Sea
• Video Games
• Wind Energy

Suggest an Activity

• Become a Sponsor
• Give Us Feedback
• Make a Recommendation
• Learn About Us

Copyright 2024 STEM-Works Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

• News & Media
• Chemical Biology
• Computational Biology
• Ecosystem Science
• Cancer Biology
• Exposure Science & Pathogen Biology
• Metabolic Inflammatory Diseases
• Advanced Metabolomics
• Mass Spectrometry-Based Measurement Technologies
• Spatial and Single-Cell Proteomics
• Structural Biology
• Biofuels & Bioproducts
• Human Microbiome
• Soil Microbiome
• Synthetic Biology
• Computational Chemistry
• Chemical Separations
• Chemical Physics
• Atmospheric Aerosols
• Human-Earth System Interactions
• Modeling Earth Systems
• Coastal Science
• Plant Science
• Subsurface Science
• Terrestrial Aquatics
• Materials in Extreme Environments
• Precision Materials by Design
• Science of Interfaces
• Friction Stir Welding & Processing
• Dark Matter
• Flavor Physics
• Fusion Energy Science
• Neutrino Physics
• Quantum Information Sciences
• Emergency Response
• AGM Program
• Tools and Capabilities
• Grid Architecture
• Grid Cybersecurity
• Grid Energy Storage
• Earth System Modeling
• Energy System Modeling
• Transmission
• Distribution
• Appliance and Equipment Standards
• Building Energy Codes
• Advanced Building Controls
• Advanced Lighting
• Building-Grid Integration
• Building and Grid Modeling
• Commercial Buildings
• Federal Performance Optimization
• Resilience and Security
• Grid Resilience and Decarbonization
• Building America Solution Center
• Energy Efficient Technology Integration
• Home Energy Score
• Electrochemical Energy Storage
• Flexible Loads and Generation
• Grid Integration, Controls, and Architecture
• Regulation, Policy, and Valuation
• Science Supporting Energy Storage
• Chemical Energy Storage
• Waste Processing
• Radiation Measurement
• Environmental Remediation
• Subsurface Energy Systems
• Carbon Capture
• Carbon Storage
• Carbon Utilization
• Advanced Hydrocarbon Conversion
• Fuel Cycle Research
• Advanced Reactors
• Reactor Operations
• Reactor Licensing
• Solar Energy
• Wind Resource Characterization
• Wildlife and Wind
• Community Values and Ocean Co-Use
• Wind Systems Integration
• Wind Data Management
• Distributed Wind
• Energy Equity & Health
• Environmental Monitoring for Marine Energy
• Marine Biofouling and Corrosion
• Marine Energy Resource Characterization
• Testing for Marine Energy
• The Blue Economy
• Environmental Performance of Hydropower
• Hydropower Cybersecurity and Digitalization
• Hydropower and the Electric Grid
• Materials Science for Hydropower
• Pumped Storage Hydropower
• Water + Hydropower Planning
• Grid Integration of Renewable Energy
• Geothermal Energy
• Algal Biofuels
• Aviation Biofuels
• Waste-to-Energy and Products
• Hydrogen & Fuel Cells
• Emission Control
• Energy-Efficient Mobility Systems
• Lightweight Materials
• Vehicle Electrification
• Vehicle Grid Integration
• Contraband Detection
• Pathogen Science & Detection
• Explosives Detection
• Threat-Agnostic Biodefense
• Discovery and Insight
• Proactive Defense
• Trusted Systems
• Nuclear Material Science
• Radiological & Nuclear Detection
• Nuclear Forensics
• Ultra-Sensitive Nuclear Measurements
• Nuclear Explosion Monitoring
• Global Nuclear & Radiological Security
• Disaster Recovery
• Global Collaborations
• Legislative and Regulatory Analysis
• Technical Training
• Additive Manufacturing
• Deployed Technologies
• Rapid Prototyping
• Systems Engineering
• 5G Security
• RF Signal Detection & Exploitation
• Climate Security
• Internet of Things
• Maritime Security
• Artificial Intelligence
• Graph and Data Analytics
• Software Engineering
• Computational Mathematics & Statistics
• High-Performance Computing
• Adaptive Autonomous Systems
• Visual Analytics
• Lab Objectives
• Publications & Reports
• Featured Research
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
• Lab Leadership
• Lab Fellows
• Staff Accomplishments
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
• Post-graduate Students
• University Faculty
• University Partnerships
• K-12 Educators and Students
• STEM Workforce Development
• STEM Outreach
• Meet the Team
• Internships
• Regional Impact
• Philanthropy
• Volunteering
• Available Technologies
• Industry Partnerships
• Licensing & Technology Transfer
• Entrepreneurial Leave
• Visual Intellectual Property Search (VIPS)
• Atmospheric Radiation Measurement User Facility
• Electricity Infrastructure Operations Center
• Energy Sciences Center
• Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
• Grid Storage Launchpad
• Institute for Integrated Catalysis
• Interdiction Technology and Integration Laboratory
• PNNL Portland Research Center
• PNNL Seattle Research Center
• PNNL-Sequim (Marine and Coastal Research)
• Radiochemical Processing Laboratory
• Shallow Underground Laboratory

Virtual Tower Measurements during the American WAKE ExperimeNt (AWAKEN)

Published: August 1, 2024

Research topics