What are some hands-on forensic science activities for students?

Hands-on forensic science activities for students include fingerprint dusting, testing unknown powders, analyzing bite marks, and matching barcodes, all of which are included in the I SPY a Forensic Scientist curriculum.

Are there free forensic science STEM activities for classrooms?

Yes, the I SPY a Forensic Scientist guide is a free STEM curriculum that provides printable materials and step-by-step forensic science activities for classroom use.

What grade levels are forensic science STEM activities best for?

Forensic science STEM activities are commonly used with upper elementary and middle school students, though many activities can be adapted for different grade levels.

How do you teach fingerprint analysis in the classroom?

Fingerprint analysis can be taught by having students create fingerprints on a smooth surface, dust them with powder, lift them with tape, and identify patterns such as loops and arches.

How do students test unknown powders in forensic science?

Students test unknown powders by adding water and vinegar to observe reactions, record results, and compare findings to known substances, similar to real forensic investigations.

Can forensic science activities be done with simple classroom materials?

Yes, many forensic science activities use everyday classroom materials such as cocoa powder, tape, vinegar, and paper, making them easy to implement.

What are hands-on STEM activities?

Hands-on STEM activities are interactive learning experiences where students actively explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through experiments, problem-solving, and real-world applications.

Why are hands-on STEM activities important for students?

Hands-on STEM activities help students better understand concepts by applying them in real-world scenarios, improving critical thinking, engagement, and long-term learning.

Best STEM Activities for the Classroom: Forensic Science Edition

Isabella Key
Jul 10, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 18

If you're looking for a creative and interactive way to introduce students to forensic science, "I SPY a Forensic Scientist" is a must-have resource. Developed by Maryville University's Center of Access and Achievement, this free STEM curriculum is packed with activities that blend science, critical thinking, and a touch of detective fun.

Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:

Document Overview

Total Pages: 52
Activity Sets: 4 unique themes
Individual Activities: 10 hands-on lessons

What’s Included

Barcodes (1 activity): Match barcode “lines” to the correct tool.
Fingerprints (4 activities): Identify, dust, ink, and match unique fingerprint patterns.
Powders (3 activities): Test reactions of known and mystery powders using simple chemistry.
Bite Marks (2 activities): Analyze bite impressions and connect them to tooth patterns.

With printable placemats, guided instructions, and engaging materials, this free guide is perfect for classrooms, clubs, or at-home science fun. Keep reading to see how you can bring forensic science STEM activities to life!

View the Full Curriculum Here

Join Our Playful Learning Workshop in St. Louis!

If you're intrigued by "I SPY a Forensic Scientist" and located in the St. Louis area, you're invited to our STEM Playful Learning Workshop! This hands-on event is perfect for educators, parents, and STEM lovers eager to bring forensic science into real classrooms.

Date & Time: July 30, 2025 — 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Maryville University Campus, St. Louis, MO
More info & registration: Visit our website page to reserve your spot today!

Workshop Details

Featured Speaker – Stacy Donovan:

Focus: Forensic Science
Why it’s awesome:
- Dive into the investigative world of science
- Blend critical thinking with hands‑on experimentation
- Learn real forensic techniques and see how science helps solve mysteries in actual classrooms

Whether you're teaching STEM or simply curious, Stacy’s session will equip you with engaging strategies and activities.

Fingerprint Activity: Dusting for Fingerprints

Goal: Teach students how to identify and lift fingerprints using an easy, hands-on method, helping them develop observation skills, fine motor coordination, and an understanding of basic forensic science techniques.

Materials Needed:

Cocoa powder (as dusting powder)
Small bowl
Makeup brush
Glass bead or smooth glass surface
Clear tape
White index card
Fingerprint patterns printout (provided in PDF)
Placemat (provided in PDF)

Steps:

Students must get oil on their fingers. Rubbing their forehead or crease of the nose can help.
Students then transfer their fingerprint impressions onto a smooth glass surface, with a steady rolling motion.
1. It is good practice to have students attempt several fingerprints to achieve a clear result.
2. A good result depends on the amount of oil transferred to the surface.
Using the brush, gently apply cocoa powder to the fingerprint impression on the glass bead or surface.
Students use a piece of tape to extract the fingerprint pattern from the glass bead, gently pressing the tape over the powdered impression.
Students gently remove tape and stick it to the index card.
Students examine their fingerprints and try to identify the main pattern, referring to the fingerprint patterns printout.
1. Students should have another student verify their conclusion.

Compare Fingerprints - Students should compare fingerprints with one another. How many loops? How many arches? Do all the “arches” look the same or are they unique?

Relate to Forensics - Did the activity work? Sometimes it is difficult to get a clear fingerprint image from this activity. This is similar to how forensic scientists sometimes only retrieve partial or degraded fingerprints during an investigation.

Powder Activity: Unknown Powders

Goal: Introduce students to testing powders with water and vinegar to observe reactions, while developing their skills in careful observation, recording data, making comparisons, and forming basic scientific conclusions.

Materials Needed:

Jars of unknown powders (e.g. flour, baking soda, salt) labeled with letters
Water and vinegar (in separate containers)
Trays (to observe the powders on)
Spoons and droppers
Black construction paper and crayons
Lab worksheet (provided in PDF)
Placemat (provided in PDF)

Steps:

Students are given (at teacher’s discretion) or can choose one of the known powders to work with.
Students divide their worksheet by drawing a vertical line down the center.
1. One side is labeled with a “W” for water, and the other side is labeled with a “V” for vinegar.
2. Students draw two circles, one under the the “W” and one under the “V.”
3. This is where they will deposit scoops of powder to both sides in the next step.
4. The name of the known powder is written at the top of the sheet.
Using the spoon, scoop a sample of powder to the left side of the sheet, under the “W” and another scoop to the right side, under the “V.”
1. Use the back of the spoon to press down the powder, creating an impression in the center.
Using the dropper, students drop three drops of water into the pile of powder on the “W” side, and then drop three drops of vinegar into the pile of powder on the “V” side of the page.
Fill out the provided “lab sheet” with information from the experiment.

Reactions - Discuss whether there was a reaction and what this means. Does water react with baking soda? Does vinegar react with flour? etc.

Relate to Forensics - Discuss how forensic investigators use chemical reactions to study different kinds of substances.

Hands-on forensic science activities offer students an engaging way to explore STEM through observation, experimentation, and problem-solving. The I SPY a Forensic Scientist curriculum brings these concepts to life with classroom-ready activities like fingerprint analysis and unknown powder testing. Whether used in a classroom, club, or at home, these forensic science STEM activities make learning interactive and fun!