Handbook Activities
Download the four extension activities as featured in our Planet Science ‘Whodunit’ handbook (pdf format).
All last about an hour and are suitable for both KS2&3.
- Locard's Principle (57 KB). When any two bodies come into contact, they mutually contaminate each other – leaving clues that forensic scientists can find ... if they look hard enough. Science.
- Investigating Fingerprints (192 KB). Every individual has a unique set of fingerprints, but all the patterns fall into three groups: loops, arches and whorls. Let your class explore the patterns in their own skin and compare them to the rest of the class. Includes worksheet. Science.
- Design a Logo (55 KB). Your students are acting as professional forensic scientists with on the ‘Whodunit’ case, so they’ll need to belong to a professional body. All professional bodies require their own logo or coat of arms so here's an activity to get them thinking about what symbols convey forensic science, and how to design an appropriate trademark. Art and Design/ D&T/ Citizenship/ ICT.
- Draw a Suspect (109 KB). Fingerprints, chemistry and complicated maths are great for helping to work out who was at the scene of a crime and when, but eyewitness descriptions can be useful too. Taking on the roles of eyewitness and police artist, this activity tests memory and communication skills (both verbal and drawing). Art & Design/ Citizenship.