CSI Forensic Science Workshops for Secondary Schools and Colleges

An experienced, degree-qualified forensic scientist visits your school to show the students what forensic science is really like as we carry out a crime investigation from the scene to the courtroom!

Whodunit Enrichment Workshops; BTEC Support Workshops; Careers Workshops; and Promotional Workshops

Whodunit Enrichment Workshops

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An amazing CSI Whodunit Challenge Workshop for enrichment and enhancement with great science and loads of fun.

Can the students solve the crime that occurred at the school on the previous day?

Biology, physics and chemistry are used to bring the perpetrators to justice. Applied science in action!

The Whodunit has amazing twists and turns in the storyline – really challenging the students to show creativity and critical thinking.

The events feature:

  • a crime scene examination, role-play and a wide variety of forensic science practical
  • the use of a professional crime scene protocol with students in full forensic kit of coverall suits, masks and gloves
  • forensic practical of DNA interpretation, fingerprints, shoe marks, blood patterns, paper chromatography, document analysis, physical fits, mobile phone digital forensics, code breaking and corneal imaging
  • extensive fingerprint work using modern brushes and powders, fluorescence, tape lifting, comparison and matching
  • a fully-structured role-play courtroom trial of about 45 minutes with students as judge, barristers, jury, accuseds, witness and usher. It is partly scripted but not completely and so allows plenty of opportunities for students to display their knowledge
  • coverage of the latest forensic developments including DNA-17, DNA familial searching, DNA phenotyping, digital forensics, and evidence interpretation
  • plenty of examples of real-world forensic science know-how.

Events can last half a day or a full day and can accommodate up to 60 students. The scenario can be either an aggravated burglary or a kidnap.

The activities also:

  • demonstrate important principles and procedures of the criminal justice system: the presumption of innocence, the right to silence, the right of attorney, adversarial process, jury trial, burden of proof, antecedents and mitigating factors
  • show the importance of communication skills and team work in professional scientific occupations
  • support careers programmes by demonstrating many of the job roles in the criminal justice system
  • can contribute to aspiration programmes, options choice initiatives and cross-curriculum activities.

Delivery is made to all year groups – Year 7 to Year 11.The level of science is always tailored for the students attending. We are highly experienced in delivering to students of different ages and academic levels. We do not talk over their heads but we will challenge them.

We believe that the fact that the events are delivered by real forensic scientists adds a lot of value to them in terms of the students’ learning. Please see the Feedback page for the views of teachers and students.

Setting things up is quick and easy. We bring all the resources. Student Certificates of Attendance can be provided.

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BTEC Nationals Level 3 Workshops

BTEC Level 3 Nationals: Forensic and Criminal Investigation

Unit 4 Forensic Investigation Procedures in Practice

The full-day or two-day workshop is based around the investigation of an aggravated burglary at the school or college. All the respects of a  professional crime scene examination; forensic practical including blood patterns, fingerprints, physical fit evidence, document examination, paper chromatography, footwear marks, DNA, digital evidence, hair, paint and a weapon; and a role-play courtroom trial. There are named suspects in the investigation and the practical suggests which of them was responsible. We conclude with a role-play courtroom trial in which the forensic evidence is presented. The school or college receives a free copy of the book ‘Crime Scene Investigation – Evidence Collection and Analysis’, written by Simon Shawcross of Sci-High. It provides a detailed and accessible introduction to crime scene work and evidence analysis. We also provide a Student Workbook which provides a structured programme of work supporting Level 3 assignments

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BTEC Level 3 Nationals: Forensic and Criminal Investigation

Unit 6: Criminal Investigation Procedures in Practice

The full-day workshop takes a criminal investigation from beginning to end and features (1) a fully scripted role-play police interview following the PEACE guidance and (2) a fully scripted role-play courtroom trial. Costumes are provided for the students. We also cover types of crime; actus reus and mens rea; roles of CJS Agencies; significant legislation including PACE, CPIA and RIPA; courtroom procedure, required preparation and effective communication. Worksheets support the consideration and analysis of the topics. Our experienced presenter provides plenty of appropriate real-world detail.

Requirements from the school or college
We bring all the resources. We just ask the school to provide projection facilities and white paper. Theworkshops can be held in a largish classroom or lab or a hall. The workbook is provided by email to the school or college in advance of the event and needs to be printed out for each student.

The usual delivery model is one group of up to 40 students all day.

BTEC Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services and BTEC Level 4 & 5 HNC/D in Public Services

We provide full-day workshops for BTEC Level 3 Protective Services (uniformed) and for BTEC Level 4 & 5 HNC/D in Public Services. They deal with the various stages of a police investigation of an aggravated burglary with presentations, analysis, discussion and extensive role-play. The content, tailored for the college or school, can be selected from: CJS agencies; principles of policing; processes of arrest, release on bail, and charging; crime categories; actus reus and mens rea; significant UK legislation; a role-play police interview (PEACE structure); investigation tools; significant criminology and psychology theory; forensics; and a role-play courtroom trial. Presenters have worked in the  criminal justice system and can provide appropriate real-life detail.

Forensic Science Careers Workshops

We can support careers programmes by:

  • delivering an enrichment event at your school or college in which emphasis is given to the different forensic science career roles, the qualifications required, the pathways into the careers, the training programs and the progression routes
  • attending at careers events, speaking informally to groups of students and demonstrating aspects of forensic science practical work.

Promotional Workshops, Family Learning, Adult Learning, Informal Educational Groups

We also provide events to promote a school to prospective pupils and their families; for family learning with pupils and adult family members attending together; and events forming part of Adult Education programmes.