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Session 4: Forensic Science 🔍

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 4 of 17

Students learn forensic science techniques, applying scientific method to solve a classroom mystery through evidence analysis.

Session 4: Forensic Science

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Apply scientific method to investigation

  • Analyze multiple types of evidence

  • Draw conclusions from evidence

  • Understand the importance of truth in justice

Session 4: Forensic Science

Materials Needed

  • 🔬 Magnifying glasses

  • 🧪 Evidence samples (prepared ahead)

  • 📝 Investigation logs

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 📸 Fingerprint materials (optional)

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Thomas More — "I am the King's good servant, but God's first." He stood for truth even when it cost his life. Justice requires truth!

Scripture

"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." — John 8:32

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you are the source of all truth. Help us seek truth carefully and honestly. May our investigations serve justice and honor your command to love truth. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (6 minutes)

  1. Forensic Science:
  2. Using science to find truth
  3. Evidence tells a story
  4. Careful observation matters
  5. Truth and Justice:
  6. Catholic teaching: Truth is essential for justice
  7. St. Thomas More died for truth
  8. Scientists must be honest investigators
  9. Scientific Method in Action:
  10. Observe → Question → Hypothesize → Test → Conclude
  11. Evidence-based conclusions
  12. Admit what you don't know

Main Activity: Mystery Investigation (31 minutes)

Part 1: The Mystery Setup (3 minutes)

Teacher-Prepared Mystery: "Something happened in our classroom!" (Examples:)

  • Missing classroom item

  • Mysterious message appeared

  • Unknown substance found

  • Classroom was "rearranged"

Multiple suspects (fictional characters or teacher personas) Each has alibis and potential motives

Part 2: Evidence Station Rotation (20 minutes)

Station A: Document Analysis (5 min)

  • Examine handwriting samples

  • Compare to mystery note

  • Look for distinctive features

  • Record observations

Station B: Substance Analysis (5 min)

  • Unknown powder/substance (safe materials)

  • Perform simple tests:

  • Color observation
  • Texture analysis
  • Water reaction

  • Compare to knowns

  • Record findings

Station C: Observation Evidence (5 min)

  • Examine scene photos or recreation

  • Look for details:

  • What's out of place?
  • What clues are visible?

  • What patterns exist?

  • Record observations

Station D: Interview Analysis (5 min)

  • Read witness statements

  • Look for:

  • Contradictions
  • Missing information

  • Suspicious details

  • Record analysis

Part 3: Team Analysis (5 minutes)

  • Teams compile evidence

  • Discuss findings

  • Form hypothesis about what happened

  • Identify gaps in knowledge

Part 4: Case Presentation (3 minutes)

  • Present conclusions

  • Cite specific evidence

  • Acknowledge uncertainties

  • Reveal solution!

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Evidence summary from each station
  2. Your hypothesis: ___
  3. Evidence that supports it: ___
  4. Evidence that doesn't fit: ___
  5. Write: "Truth in science matters because..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Process Reflection — "What was hardest about investigating?"
  2. Truth Connection — "Why is honest investigation important?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "God of truth, help us always seek what is true and honest. Guide us to use our minds for justice. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Careful observation at stations

  • Evidence-based reasoning

  • Appropriate conclusions

  • Understood truth's importance

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Simplified evidence

  • Partner work

  • Guided observation sheets

For Advanced Students

  • Additional complexity in evidence

  • Lead team analysis

  • Design own mystery for peers

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Family mystery night! Create a simple mystery to solve together. Watch forensic science shows critically (what's real vs. TV drama?). Discuss: Why is truth important for justice?

Teacher Notes

  • Prepare mystery and evidence beforehand

  • Ensure all evidence is age-appropriate

  • Solution should be fair and discoverable

  • Connect to real forensic science careers

Previous: Session 3 — Architecture
Next: Session 5 — Scratch Games