The forensic science project was first developed in Birmingham by Park View City Learning Centre in collaboration with University College, London, West MIdlands Police Service, the forensic service and the law society. This has been successfully replicated over the last four years, not only by the CLC but by schools within Birmingham and other CLCs.  

Forensic science is guaranteed to grab the attention of many students – TV programmes such as Crime Scene Investigators just touch the surface of this fascinating branch of science. In this specially designed day, students will learn the basic techniques of an officer at the scene of a crime, and then go on to use more high-tech scientific methods such as fingerprint profiling and fabric sample analysis to try to eliminate suspects and analyse evidence.

In this day long investigation, pupils are introduced to an exciting and fast-moving murder case.

Football star David Mooney has been found dead in his home. The police suspect foul play. They have called in extra help from the Local Forensics Service (your school!) to analyse the data, crime scene and statements.

Pupils will conduct experiments in  toxicology, fingerprint analysis, fabric samples, blood analysis and more. They will then be able to narrow down the suspect list and finally expose the lies in their statements!

Was it David Mooney's close friend Wayne Reckham or his girlfriend Paris Debenham? Or maybe it was the angry gardener, Joe Spade? Or anyone one in the long line of suspects!

Pupils will use a wide range of Scientific skills and techniques.

They will be expected to work independently, in pairs and in groups to solve the case.

The day covers a number of key Science topics and also focuses on literacy.

Click here for an introductory PowerPoint