Crack The Case Forensics has been designed for Years 5-6 high-ability students.  Deakin University, Forensic Environmental Scientist, Dr. Jessica Hay has worked in conjunction with members of the Ecolinc team to develop this exciting hands-on VCES workshop.  Jessica has worked extensively in supporting the Scouting movement to conduct exciting forensic roleplay mysteries.

The duration of the program is 2 hours which will be broken up into 2 sessions.

The first session will commence with a presentation and Q&A session introducing Forensic Science as an exciting career pathway and asking, ‘How does forensic science guide police in cracking a criminal case?’ 

After a short break, your teams of apprentice ‘forensic scientists’ will engage in solving their very own case using evidence provided from their STEM-in-a-box kits.  This engaging hands-on workshop will also be led by Dr Jessica Hay. 

IMPORTANT PREPARATION DETAILS:

1. For this VCES program, teachers will be posted the necessary STEM-in-a-box materials
2. There are limited numbers of tickets available.  Only ONE ticket of up to 25 high ability students per school for each event. 
3. NOTE: Rural and regional students will be a priority in the event of large booking demand.
4. Program flyer Crack The Case Forensics

How to book your group

1. Book your students into either of the dates available.
2. Tickets can be booked using the link below (NOTE: one ticket is for a group of up to 25 students)
3. Download and complete the attached Student details  spreadsheet and email this through to ecolinc@education.vic.gov.au

After your booking is confirmed

Please download the parental invitation and student nomination forms and distribute them to the families of the students.

• VCES Student Nomination Form
• VCES Parent Info

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES) is an initiative funded by the Victorian Government to extend and engage high-ability students across the state. The series provides opportunities for students from Foundation to Year 12 in Government Schools to participate in enrichment learning experiences that challenge their thinking, build advanced skills, and encourage creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. Delivered by specialist organisations and education providers, VCES programs immerse students in authentic, real-world learning beyond the classroom.

• Year Level: Year 5-6
• Duration: 2 hours

Yes, a kit of resources will be sent to your school

No prior knowledge is required.

In this video conference students will:

• Identify different types of forensic evidence and explain what each type shows
• Use scientific tests and observations to analyse evidence
• Make predictions, compare results, and draw conclusions based on data
• Understand how science is used in real-world careers like forensic science

In this video conference students will:

• Listen to a forensic scientist describe education pathways, tools, and real cases
• Compare fingerprint patterns (loops, whorls, arches) and shoe prints from a crime scene and suspects
• Examine paint splatter angles, direction, and spread to infer movement, position, or actions during an incident
• Examine writing samples and conduct an experiment with ink types
• Analyse spoken and written information to identify key details
• Use evidence to justify opinions and conclusions
• Communicate ideas clearly using formal and subject-specific language

Science – Science Understanding

• The observable properties of matter (solids, liquids and gases) can be explained by modelling the motion and arrangement of their particles; mixtures (including solutions) can be formed by combining 2 or more different substances VC2S6U03

Science – Science Inquiry

• Investigable questions and reasoned predictions can be used in guiding investigations to identify patterns and test relationships VC2S6I01
• Methods and findings can be compared with those of others to identify sources of error, to select evidence in support of reasoned explanations and conclusions, and to develop further questions for investigation VC2S6I05
• Scientific ideas, findings, patterns, trends and relationships can be communicated for a specific purpose and audience, using various presentation formats, scientific vocabulary and digital tools as appropriate VC2S6I06

English – Reading and Viewing

• When demonstrating understanding of texts, students explore and compare characters and events, and information and ideas, from different historical, cultural or social contexts to build literal and inferred meanings.