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Forensic Science for Kids | Play-based Learning

June 21, 2014 By Racheous

Forensic Science for Kids play-based learning, resources, printables and learning unit forensicscontains affiliate/sponsored links

This week with our homeschool co-op, we explored basic forensic science concepts! This was a really fun and engaging activity that the kids loved and much of it is super simple to set up!

What you will need:

  • a UV torch (aka blacklight – we got ours for cheap on ebay)
  • a washable ink stamp pad (if in Australia or NZ, you can older woman in relationship)
  • a fingerprint card (see below)
  • a fingerprint pattern identification card (see below)
  • https://www.racheous.com/openers-online-dating/ (if in Australia or NZ, you can hook up apps for iphone)

Optional:

    • https://www.racheous.com/younger-women-looking-for-older-men/ (our favourite is her dating site)
    • hair and fibre activity (see below)
    • microscope (I highly recommend this duoscope, this is on my wishlist for Cameron – we have used it and it’s incredible!)

 

2014-06-18 09.32.27Download your own Fingerprint Card

We discussed how everyone’s fingerprints are different and how there are ways to identify fingerprints. Each child filled out a fingerprint ID card and the older one’s got to practice their left and right and the names of each finger. Tip: use washable ink so that little black fingerprints don’t end up all over the place!

Forensic science is a fun and unique topic to cover. You don’t have to get into the nitty gritty of what it entails and why it is used for kids to have a meaningful learning experience and cover many interesting topics!

2014-06-18 09.20.13

Download your own Fingerprint Pattern Classification printable

Using their fingerprint cards, some of the kids identified the patterns in their prints and we talked about how they were all so different.

 

blacklight UV torches fingerprints kids forensics secret messages highlighters

Using blacklight UV torches, the kids searched the area for pre-planted ‘secret messages’ that I created with highlighters. I simply wrote little messages at the children’s height for them to uncover. It was exciting for them to see the fluorescence and find these magic words!

find messages

I also printed several of my own fingerprints by rubbing a highlighter over my finger and pressing it strategically on doors, windows, tables around the area. Several of the younger kids were very keen to know who put these prints all over the place!

 

2014-06-18 09.18.28

Lastly, for the older kids (including some adults!) and some of the interested younger kids, we had a great hair and fibre activity. The printable activity has a quiz and more information which is brilliant.

 2014-06-18 09.33.19Download the Hair and Fibre Challenge

A fellow homeschooling mama bought along some slides and a microscope for us to examine some hairs and fibres and note the differences and similarities.

2014-06-18 10.06.20

For the older kids, this DK book is brilliant:

Do you think your children would enjoy investigating fingerprints and fluorescence?


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12 Comments Filed Under: Montessori

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Comments

  1. Jess Robinson says

    June 21, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    Really enjoyed this exploration and appreciate having this post to refer back to so we can use the ideas again at home so thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    June 22, 2014 at 2:50 am

    I love this unit! I have a similar device to the black light that actually kills germs via UV light — I think it would be a good bonus for a germ/bacteria unit.
    How was the highlighter to clean up after?

    Reply
  3. Jenni Ferguson says

    June 22, 2014 at 8:46 am

    Wow! You have put together some fantastic ideas here! I just love the ‘secret message’ and thumbprints around the house! I will have to try this one with my kiddies at home! Thanks for such a great post!

    Reply
  4. Ang Johnson says

    June 23, 2014 at 11:35 pm

    This looks like so much fun for all ages! Definitely pinning!

    Reply
  5. Lisette says

    June 25, 2014 at 1:10 am

    This is so AWESOME Rachel!! I seriously am in love with this idea! Sharing!

    Reply
  6. The Natural Homeschool says

    July 23, 2014 at 6:41 am

    I love reading your posts! Thanks for linking up! :)

    Reply
  7. Karyn says

    August 2, 2014 at 7:47 am

    This is seriously cool!!!

    Reply
  8. Sarah says

    February 18, 2015 at 4:06 am

    Love this activity! Thank you for including the challenges and printables. Pinning for our K12 families to enjoy!

    Reply
  9. Abdul Wahab says

    December 7, 2015 at 6:44 pm

    This is fantastic. I will have to try this one with my kiddies at home! Thanks for such a great post!

    Reply
  10. prodotti antimuffa!pitture antimuffa says

    March 14, 2017 at 6:30 am

    Good information. Lucky me I discovered your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
    I’ve book-marked it for later!

    Reply
  11. Julia says

    April 11, 2019 at 9:21 am

    May I ask what ages you did this with? I was thinking of doing this with some older kids in my co-op class. What are your thoughts and suggestions? thanks
    Julia

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The Human Body: Skin Biology and Structure - The Dermatology Review says:
    September 30, 2020 at 9:27 pm

    […] Forensic Science for Kids: Play-Based Learning […]

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