Forensic Science

Year 10 General Science

On Friday 2nd August, Crime Scene Officer Senior Sergeant Annie Clarke, provided the Year 10 Forensic class with a task to solve the mysterious death of ‘The Gingerbread Man’. Various clues were strategically placed around the room and of course the crime scene was cordoned off. This rather simple activity, allowed students the opportunity to put their knowledge of crime scene investigation techniques and procedures into practice. The students used the clues to put the suspect at the scene of the crime and with Annie’s assistance was able to finally pinpoint the culprit.

Annie was able to encourage the students to think deeply and laterally when analysing the clues to finally arrive at a verdict. Things may not always be as they seem. This was an important skill for the students to learn.

Annie used real examples to help the students understand the roles of the Forensic Scientists, Police and the Law in solving crimes, while laying to rest commons myths associated with crime scene shows on television such as CSI and Law and Order.

Students also had the opportunity to observe and analyse their own fingerprints using the magnetic black powder that the police use to lift prints.   The students used the technique used by the police to lift their own prints off the glass windows and white paper. Students soon came to the realisation that every trace leaves a clue, no matter how clean you think the surface may be.

Finally, Annie kindly allowed the students to wear her bullet proof vest to familiarise themselves with the weight of the vest and the protection it provides.

The session concluded with a brief insight into the requirements for joining the force and the various areas within the Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Julie Natalizio

Science Teacher/Year 7 Assistant Team Leader