Forty year 9 students with a passion for science were recently nominated by their teachers for their outstanding enthusiasm and commitment to learning. These students took part in an immersive forensic science workshop on Tuesday 5 November, where they stepped into the shoes of fictional crime scene investigators, police officers, and even suspects.
Working in groups of eight, the students were introduced to the world of forensic science through meeting various characters related to a case. Each group was tasked with investigating a crime centered on a mysterious burglary and murder at The Holgate Academy.
The young investigators gathered evidence from a carefully staged crime scene, which included simulated fingerprints, ‘blood’ samples, and the murder weapon. As they worked, they employed real scientific techniques to analyse their findings: comparing fingerprints, examining ‘blood’ stains under UV light, analysing handwriting on an anonymous letter, and using paper chromatography to match ink samples. They also compared broken light fragments from a car and scrutinised a footprint left at the scene, ultimately creating a photofit of a possible suspect.
Throughout the day, students also explored more advanced forensic methods. They learned about DNA analysis, including the use of familial DNA to track individuals, and were introduced to digital forensics by examining ‘deleted’ messages that might hold crucial evidence. Discussions extended to vestigial human characteristics, helping students see the links between biology and forensic science.
The day culminated in a mock trial where students debated the evidence and made their cases for who they believed was responsible for the murder of the academy’s caretaker, Lenny Lloyd. With witnesses describing a car speeding away from the school and a line-up of potential suspects – students pieced together the clues they had meticulously gathered.
This hands-on experience not only showcased the importance of critical thinking and scientific inquiry but also provided students with an exciting glimpse into the forensic science field.
Thank you to our facilitator for the day, Mr Jon Bates BSc, MSc from Sci High. Jon is an ex-forensic scientist in the North of England who worked on over 1,000 cases during his career.
