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School Science Workshop... CSI Forensics! | Fizzics Education
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CSI Forensics Lab

CSI Forensics Lab

Evaluate the clues to determine the criminal! Can your students be super sleuths?

🔍 Science Inquiry & Chemical World

CSI Forensics Lab

Crime Scene Investigation in your Science Class!

This forensic science workshop is designed to intrigue budding super sleuths who enjoy their science mixed with a bit of drama. Highly engaging for students and teachers alike, your primary students work in groups to solve a mystery by uncovering the same types of clues used by real-life forensic investigators.

Time is spent discussing why crime scenes are isolated from the public, why certain evidence is more valuable than others, and why a clear chain of evidence is needed from the crime scene to the eventual court case. It’s a perfect way to bring Science Inquiry skills to life.

Key Investigations:

  • Trace Evidence: Analyse hair and fibre samples under magnification.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprinting, blood typing, and DNA comparisons.
  • Identity: Facial reconstruction using computer and physical models.
  • Chemical Analysis: Fluorescence of oils and chromatography.
  • Impression Evidence: Shoe impression casting and latent image detection.
💡 REAL-WORLD FOCUS: Students learn how evidence moves from the scene to the courtroom!

Education-First Leadership

Led by Churchill Fellow Ben Newsome, we ensure every forensic workshop is grounded in pedagogical best practice, making complex science inquiry accessible and exciting for every student.

Ben Newsome Fizzics Education

4 Million+ Students Inspired since 2004

🔍
Hands-on Science Inquiry.
🌍
Available In-person or Online.
📜
Full Risk Assessments & WWCC.

Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science incursions

Australian ACARA Content Outcomes:

Science F-10 Version 9.0

Year 3
  • identify sources of heat energy and examine how temperature changes when heat energy is transferred from one object to another AC9S3U03
  • investigate the observable properties of solids and liquids and how adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state AC9S3U04
Year 4
  • examine the properties of natural and made materials including fibres, metals, glass and plastics and consider how these properties influence their use AC9S4U04
Year 3 & 4
  • examine how people use data to develop scientific explanations AC9S3H01, AC9S4H01
  • consider how people use scientific explanations to meet a need or solve a problem AC9S3H02, AC9S4H02
  • pose questions to explore observed patterns and relationships and make predictions based on observations AC9S3I01, AC9S4I01
  • compare findings with those of others, consider if investigations were fair, identify questions for further investigation and draw conclusions AC9S3I05, AC9S4I05
Year 5
  • explain observable properties of solids, liquids and gases by modelling the motion and arrangement of particles AC9S5U04
Year 6
  • compare reversible changes, including dissolving and changes of state, and irreversible changes, including cooking and rusting that produce new substances AC9S6U04
Year 5 & 6
  • investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions AC9S5H02, AC9S6H02
  • pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions AC9S5I01, AC9S6I01
  • compare methods and findings with those of others, recognise possible sources of error, pose questions for further investigation and select evidence to draw reasoned conclusions AC9S5I05, AC9S6I05

Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science workshops & shows

NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping

NSW Science Syllabus Content

A student:

  • ST2-7MW-T investigates the suitability of natural and processed materials for a range of purposes
  • ST3-6MW-S explains the effect of heat on the properties and behaviour of materials
  • ST3-7MW-T explains how the properties of materials determines their use for a range of purposes

NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (Implementation from 2027)

For explanatory points & implementation advice, please visit the NESA Science and Technology K–6 Curriculum site.

Stage 2
  • ST2-PQU-01 poses questions to create fair tests that investigate the effects of energy on living things and physical systems
  • ST2-DAT-01 uses and interprets data to describe patterns and relationships
Stage 3

ST3-SCI-01 uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices

  • Recognise that in a fair test, an independent variable is changed, a dependent variable is measured, and controlled variables remain the same
  • Pose questions to determine whether substances dissolve in water by identifying variables and conducting and evaluating fair tests

ST3-PQU-01 poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data

ST3-DAT-01 interprets data to support explanations and arguments

NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping
Print NSW Mapping PDF

VIC Science & Technology Content

VIC Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0

For explanatory points & implementation advice, please visit the VIC Curriculum F-10 site.

Levels 3 & 4
  • solids, liquids and gases have observable properties; adding or removing heat energy leads to a change of state between solids, liquids and gases. VC2S4U04
  • the properties of natural and made materials, including fibres, metals, glass and plastics, influence their use and re-use. VC2S4U05
  • scientific investigations to answer questions or test predictions can be planned and conducted using provided scaffolds, including identifying the attributes of fair tests, and considering the safe use of materials and equipment. VC2S4I02
  • scientific knowledge, skills and data can be used by people to explain how they will meet a need or solve a problem. VC2S4H02
Levels 5 & 6
  • changes to substances may be reversible, in which case the substance may be recovered, or irreversible, in which case new substances are formed; for most substances a change of state or dissolving in water is reversible, while irreversible changes include cooking and rusting. VC2S6U04
  • repeatable scientific investigations to answer questions can be planned and conducted, including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests, considering potential risks, planning for the safe and ethical use of equipment and materials, and obtaining permissions for investigations conducted on Country and Place or in protected areas. VC2S6I02
  • scientific knowledge, skills and data can be used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions. VC2S6H02

VIC F – 6 Science Syllabus mapping
Print VIC Mapping PDF

School Testimonials

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Casuarina School

We would definitely book this again!

Science Show Activities

Blood
testing

Which fake blood clumps the same? Blood types matter...

Footprint
comparison

Which suspect was outside the scene of the crime?

Dental
casts

Can you match the evidence to the right suspect?

DNA

Who left a trace behind?

Latent
imagery

Oblique lighting can pick up traces of evidence...

Soil pH
testing

Soils ain't soils!

Digital
microscopy

Hair & fibre analysis

Crime scene
simulation

Discussion of how the chain of evidence makes it to court

Fingerprinting

Fingerprints can be a calling card...

Oil
fluorescence

Different chemicals can glow differently under UV light...a clue perhaps!

forensics soil testing using pH indicator

Science workshop content

What Students Experience: Forensic Science Inquiry

Students step into the role of a forensic scientist, applying rigorous scientific methods to solve a mystery. This workshop is structured to move from understanding legal procedures to methodical, hands-on lab investigation.

1. Scene Briefing

The session begins with the chain of custody. Students are introduced to the roles of first responders, detectives, and scientists, following evidence from the crime scene to the prosecutor and eventually the courtroom.

2. Methodical Investigation

Acting as an unbiased team, students visit forensic stations in small groups. They methodically investigate specimens, analyze patterns, and prepare a suspect brief based strictly on the evidence found at each station.

3. Case Conclusion

We conclude by categorizing evidence as linked to the site, the room, or the victim. Students receive the “answers” and consider how the police and prosecutor will use their scientific findings to build a legal case.

EST. 2004

Our Commitment to Quality Science Education

A Trusted School Partner for 20 Years
Fizzics Education delivers reliable, syllabus-aligned visits that engage students and meet the practical requirements of the classroom.

Hands-on Safety
Using safe, relatable materials to teach rigorous scientific concepts.
Verified Impact
Highly rated by teachers for classroom management and student engagement.
Qualified Presenters
Experienced educators trained to facilitate student investigation.

Real, Verified, Unedited

A dropper plate and bottle with soil and indicator

Requirements

📊 Workshop Logistics

Session Requirements

👥 Capacity & Timing

👨‍🎓 Attendance: Max 30 students per class.

🏫 Target: Appropriate for Years 3 to 6.

Duration: 60 or 90 minute versions.

🛠️ Set/Pack: 45 mins setup + 30 mins pack down.

Note: Materials may be varied to suit conditions. Contact your presenter for specific focus requests.

📍 Space & Power

🏗️ Room Layout: 10 tables arranged around the edge of the room.

📐 Floor Space: A wide floor space is essential for investigations.

🔌 Power: Access to at least 2 electrical power sockets.

🪑 Seating: Chairs are not required for students.

COVID Safe

Social Distancing: Contact us to tailor a program to suit your school and the State’s requirements.

🛡️ $20M Public Liability
WWCC Checked
📋 Full Risk Assessments
🎓 Expert Science Educators

Go Further!

Complete Units of Work to Support Your Teaching

Save time and engage students in STEM year-round with high-quality videos, printable experiments, and full marking rubrics.

Find out more!

Extend the Experience

Pair this workshop with a larger stage show for groups of up to 240 students:

Cost

💰 Workshop Investment

Solve the Case

$580 inc. GST
60-Minute Workshop
✨ $19.33 per student
(Based on 30 students)

$660 inc. GST
90-Minute Workshop
✨ $22.00 per student
(Based on 30 students)

Early Bird: Book and pay within 7 days to receive 10% off your booking.

📍 Regional Schools: We attend country schools as part of our Country Science Tours.

📑 Planning: Print a PDF detailing mapping for all science visits.

Ready to solve the case?

Call 1300 856 828

Enquire Now

Extension Ideas!

Scientist Q & A

Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST.

Read More

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