My students need materials to investigate "crime scenes", such as crime tape, tool kits, chromatography paper, hair slides, and a fingerprint identification poster.
A crime has been committed! I teach inquisitive second graders who love a good mystery! I want to set up a "crime scene" and have my children collect and document evidence. They will have to put their detective skills to work when they discover our gumball machine is missing. The children are shocked to discover that someone has stolen their gum!
Students will practice science skills as they solve mysteries and learn first hand what it takes to be a detective. Unfortunately, more than pencil and paper is needed for this project and it can be costly to provide all the necessary resources each year.
Imagine the dismay on their little faces when they walk into their classroom to find crime scene tape wrapped around the room. The excitement builds as each child comes in the door and their curiosity cannot be contained. Now the fun begins! (And a whole lot of learning takes place!) The physical evidence found at the crime scene will be analyzed, such as fingerprints, footprints, hair strands, and ink on a note. Using the tools kits, the students will be able to lift fingerprints, learn to use chromatography paper for ink analysis, and compare hair samples to figure out who may have been snooping around our classroom. The children have to use their deductive reasoning and the evidence to come up with a list of possible suspects. Oh my, do second graders make good detectives when it comes to questioning a suspect. They do not let up until they get their answers!
You will make it possible for me to use the science of forensics to challenge my students to observe carefully, organize and record data, and think critically to solve this crime. Your help truly makes a difference and has a direct impact on the learning of a child. For this project you will make it possible for the children to solve the crime and "arrest" their suspect!
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