Summer SAVY, Session 1 Day 5, Crime Lab Chemistry (3rd-4th)
The final day of Crime Lab Chemistry was a thrilling showcase of creativity, critical thinking, and scientific skill as students stepped into the role of forensic masterminds. After a week of unraveling mysteries and mastering investigative techniques, they were challenged to design their own original crime scenarios—complete with a compelling story, a detailed clue board, a realistic crime scene, and a hands-on experiment to crack the case.
Each student group crafted a unique mystery narrative, weaving in elements they had learned throughout the week, from fingerprint analysis to chemical testing. Their clue boards were filled with red herrings, suspect profiles, and evidence trails, guiding viewers through their thought process. The crime scenes were impressively staged, reflecting both imagination and forensic accuracy.
To solve their mysteries, students designed experiments that mirrored real-world forensic techniques. Whether it was testing unknown powders, analyzing ink samples, or simulating blood typing, each experiment was a testament to their understanding of chemistry and its role in crime-solving.
The day ended with presentations where students walked their peers and instructor through their cases, explaining the science behind their solutions. It was a celebration of inquiry, collaboration, and the power of learning through doing.
Exploration has been the driving force behind every breakthrough. From analyzing forensic clues in Mr. Bear’s case to untangling conflicting narratives in Felix’s disappearance, students embraced the challenge of looking beyond the obvious. They learned that exploration isn’t just about finding answers—it’s about questioning assumptions, identifying patterns, and refining reasoning until a solid conclusion emerges.
Paul’s Reasoning Wheel guided their journey, offering key strategies—shifting from exploration to analysis, inference, and evaluation—to strengthen their critical thinking. Whether testing fingerprint clarity or challenging inconsistencies in alibis, detectives discovered that each mystery required adaptive problem-solving. The same skills applied in unraveling Mr. Bear’s story, which became stepping stones for tackling Felix’s case, showing how investigative techniques evolve and sharpen with experience.
By the end of the week, students recognized that true exploration never stops. Every mystery, challenge, and intellectual pursuit is an opportunity to think deeper, ask better questions, and refine strategies. While Mr. Bear and Felix’s cases have been solved, the journey of learning continues. What new mysteries will await our detectives next? One thing is certain: they are ready for the challenge.
What an incredible week it’s been in Crime Lab Chemistry! Watching each of you dive into the mysteries, test your theories, and collaborate like real forensic scientists has been nothing short of inspiring. You’ve shown curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking every step of the way—and most importantly, you had fun while learning!
From analyzing fingerprints to designing your own crime scenes and experiments, you’ve taken everything you’ve learned and turned it into something amazing. Your final projects were a true celebration of your hard work and imagination. I’m so proud of how you all embraced the challenge and supported one another.
Keep asking questions, keep exploring, and remember—science is all about solving mysteries, big and small. You’ve proven this week that you’re more than ready for the next one.
Great job, detectives! 🕵️♀️🧬💥
🧠 Here are some Reflection Questions from our Crime Lab Chemistry Week
🔬 Scientific Thinking & Investigation
- What scientific methods did you use most often this week? How did they help you solve the mysteries?
- Which experiment or test did you find most surprising or effective? Why?
- If you could design a new forensic test to add to the Mystery Festival, what would it be and how would it work?
🧩 Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- What was the most challenging part of solving a mystery? How did you overcome it?
- How did you decide which clues were important and which were distractions?
- What strategies helped your team work together to solve the cases?
🕵️ Creative Application
- When creating your own mystery, what inspired your story and clues?
- How did you make sure your crime scene and experiment were realistic and solvable?
- If you could improve your mystery project, what would you change or add?
🌍 Real-World Connections
- How do you think real forensic scientists use chemistry in their work?
- What careers or real-life situations might use the skills you practiced this week?
- Why is it important to use evidence and scientific reasoning when solving problems?
Additional Resources:
Mystery Detectives | Exploring Forensic Science And Beyond- https://youtu.be/4awTZKxjeQo?si=AqZm2b9MT7k7vRRk
CSI: Who Did It? | Science Trek- https://youtu.be/PJlplQpPl6E?si=oSQNfSgBKUkrKJob
