SCIENCE

YEAR 9 SCIENCE TAKES ON FORENSICS: THE CASE OF "WHO STOLE LIL MACHO’S PHONE?"

This term, Year 9 students swapped lab coats for detective hats in an immersive forensic science program to solve the mystery of "Who Stole Lil Macho’s Phone?" In this unique learning experience, the students honed their skills in various forensic techniques before diving headfirst into analysing evidence tied to a fictional crime.

The case revolved around Lil Macho (played with great flair by Mr David Machin, Head of Years 8 & 9), whose phone mysteriously went missing. The suspects? Every science teacher at McK East campus! The challenge? To piece together the evidence and uncover the thief.

Over several weeks, students explored a range of forensic skills. They examined fingerprints, tracked footprints, compared handwriting samples, and identified trace fibres. The highlight for many was analysing DNA evidence using gel electrophoresis and interpreting digital data to follow a trail of incriminating clues.

From the outset, Ms Hu and Ms Dobrich were top suspects. However, in a twist that had the Year 9 cohort buzzing, Ms Rideout was revealed as the culprit. Her motive? She had accidentally stolen the phone in a desperate attempt to improve her chances of scoring Taylor Swift tickets in the highly competitive concert ballot. A bold move - but one that didn’t escape the keen eyes of our budding forensic experts!

Reflecting on the experience, students praised the program for its hands-on approach and real-world relevance. “It was useful to see real-life applications of forensics,” Year 9 student Mason Villella exclaimed. “The project was really fun and interesting.”

As we close the case on Lil Macho’s phone, next year’s Year 9 cohort should prepare themselves. A new mystery lies ahead - one designed to challenge their detective skills in unexpected ways. For now, the details are strictly confidential. Will they crack the case? Only time will tell!

See below - student analysis of crime (from their final presentations). 

Tamlin Dobrich

Science Teacher