Summer SAVY, Session 2 Day 3, Forensic Science: Cracking the Case (1st-2nd)
We kicked off the day by revisiting the concept map we created at the beginning of the week. Students contributed key insights about fingerprints, DNA, the differences between detectives and scientists solving cases, and how real-life investigations compare to the mysteries we see on TV.
Working in teams, students tackled realistic scenarios featuring inconclusive evidence. Each forensic scientist team discussed their case and presented their findings to the class. Peer-to-peer feedback was a highlight, as students complimented each other’s presentations and offered thoughtful ideas for next steps in gathering more evidence. Their creativity and critical thinking really shone through!
Today, we focused on the reliability of eyewitness statements. Students learned how memory can sometimes deceive us, leading to false recollections. Through engaging videos and activities, they practiced eyewitness skills and discovered how our minds can create false memories through association.
Next, the class stepped into the role of document examiners. They explored the art of forgery and learned what experts look for when identifying tampered documents. We discussed how criminals may falsify documents or alter their identities, and students practiced spotting these signs.
An exciting challenge followed: analyzing altered documents after someone tampered with a teacher’s grade book. Our forensic experts at SAVY rose to the occasion, identifying the falsified grades using their keen observation and knowledge.
We then tackled a thrilling dognapping case using chemistry and ink analysis. Students experimented with chromatography, using acetone as a solvent to separate ink mixtures. By comparing ink samples from a ransom note with those from various pens, they applied their new skills to solve the crime.
Our final mystery involved unknown powders found at a crime scene linked to a baking competition sabotage. Students tested three powders, learning about their physical and chemical properties, and observed reactions with vinegar and water to identify baking soda. This experiment helped them uncover the culprit who tampered with the champion baker’s cake.
Throughout the day, students remained engaged and demonstrated great perseverance, especially when explaining their experiment results and reasoning.
We hope you enjoy the upcoming holiday! We can’t wait to see our forensic scientists apply their new knowledge and skills in a final crime scene walkthrough on Friday.
