Forensic Science Lab Activities for the Classroom

Forensic science is a system of collecting evidence.

Forensic science is the process of collecting data and evidence to be used in the legal system. There are a number of forensic science lab activities you can arrange for students to participate in, which can bring to life exactly what forensics is and how it is used in a practical setting.

Lab Kit

To start a forensic science lab, students will need a proper lab kit. Let them have fun collecting items to use for their studies, such as a magnifying glass, microscope, plastic bags, gloves and a tweezer. They will also need a notebook and pencil to jot down their findings.

Mock Crime Scene

Set up a mock crime scene in the science room with plenty of clues and evidence that the students can collect and study. Details such as footprints, tracked mud, paint chips, strands of hair and broken glass are good starting points for students to examine.

Fingerprinting

You can organize a lesson in fingerprinting with a few materials on hand. Blow up a balloon and hold a lit candle underneath it until black soot appears on the balloon. Students can pick up the soot with a fluffy makeup brush, then brush the soot over an area where they think there is a fingerprint.

Microscope

A microscope is an ideal piece of equipment for studying forensics. Students can place strands of hair under the microscope to see how the different strands look, and can examine broken glass to see if the breaks were even or rough.

References

• Home Training Tools: Forensic Science Experiments for Kids