With TV shows like CSI and Bones being so popular, Forensics has become an important and exciting discipline in science. This is a chance for students to delve into a subject they don’t see in school! Perfect for those who are interested in Anatomy and Biology or crime, no other course combines these topics as well as Forensics.
This program is designed for teens interested in an investigative or pre-law / legal career.
Students will receive forensics packages and be instructed on how to perform both hands-on and virtual activities with the given supplies. Students will have the opportunity to do the following activities:
Learn various fingerprinting techniques:
- Students will use magnetic fingerprint powder and a magnetic fingerprint wand to find and analyze fingerprints used to solve crimes
- Students will learn a more traditional fingerprinting technique using a fingerprint feather duster to physically brush fingerprints and analyze them
- Students will use fluorescent fingerprint powder and a black light source to analyze fingerprints
- Students will use an investigative material known as hinge lifters, or single-sided tape, to lift fingerprints off of smooth surface evidence. Students will also use the following materials to gain further insight into fingerprinting: 10 FBI print fingerprint cards and Inkless ink pads
Use Blood Typing to Analyze a Crime Scene:
- Students will use simulated blood and anti- serum to blood type the blood at a fictional crime scene. Students will analyze the various blood types in order to discover which suspect’s blood matches with that found at the crime scene in order to solve the case.
Make Footprint Impressions:
- Students will be given the necessary materials in order to make a personal footwear cast and learn the skills required to identify footprints at a crime scene.
Simulated Drug Testing
- This lab activity uses chemistry techniques to simulate spot testing for illicit drugs. Students will use a simulated drug testing kit, combined with the black light source to learn actual forensic drug testing techniques.
Other Various Crime Scene Hands-on Activities:
- Students will be given other various pieces of evidence commonly found at crime scenes and will have to use the provided evidence bags and combination magnifying glass and tweezers to process and analyze them.
Interactive Virtual Crime Scene Murder Case:
- Additionally, students will also have the opportunity to access an interactive virtual crime scene murder of an actual 19th century murder case. Other lab activities include analyzing evidence, recording data and utilizing a combination of scientific approaches and the most advanced online tools available to investigate.
Analyze Simulated Poisons
- Students will access a graphic novel from Deborah Blume’s best selling novel, The Poisoners Hand Book and complete both virtual and hands on activities that involve analyzing simulated poisons.
July 28 - August 1, 2025 | Olin College, Needham, MA
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