Overview
Step into the world of forensic science and discover how scientific investigation helps solve crime. In this engaging, hands-on workshop, students explore the principles of crime scene investigation through practical activities that develop observation, analysis and critical thinking skills.
Working as forensic investigators, students will collect and examine fingerprint evidence, investigate a staged crime scene and evaluate how different forms of evidence can be used to support an investigation. Alongside practical scientific enquiry, students also explore the development of policing and forensic techniques through a guided visit to the museum’s historic police cells, comparing historical methods of investigation with those used today.
This workshop combines science, history and real-world application to inspire curiosity and demonstrate how evidence-based investigation plays a vital role in modern policing.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session, students will be able to:
- Understand the role of forensic science in criminal investigations.
- Explain how fingerprints can be collected and analysed.
- Recognise that evidence must be carefully interpreted and evaluated.
- Apply observation, deduction and reasoning to investigate a crime scene.
- Compare historical and modern policing methods and investigative techniques.
Workshop Activities
Introduction
Students are introduced to the role of Crime Scene Investigators and explore how forensic science supports police investigations. The session considers the history of fingerprinting and challenges students to think critically about what forensic evidence can—and cannot—prove.
Fingerprint Investigation
Students learn how fingerprints are collected before taking and comparing their own prints. They explore fingerprint patterns and discuss why fingerprints remain one of the most important forms of forensic evidence.
Crime Scene Investigation
Working in teams, students investigate a simulated crime scene, examining physical evidence, identifying clues and piecing together events to determine what has happened. Students must analyse evidence, evaluate its significance and work collaboratively to solve the case.
Reflection
The session concludes with a discussion exploring the importance of scientific thinking, evidence handling and logical reasoning in modern policing.
Museum Experience
As part of the day, students take part in a guided visit to the museum’s historic police cells.
During this session they will discover:
- What life was like for prisoners during the Victorian and early twentieth century.
- How policing and punishment have changed over time.
- How investigators gathered evidence before the development of modern forensic science.
- The differences between historical and contemporary investigative techniques, including the use of witness statements, footprints, fingerprints and digital evidence.
Students are then able to continue exploring the museum independently, reinforcing their understanding through authentic objects, interactive displays and historic emergency service collections.
Curriculum Links
This workshop supports learning across several curriculum areas, including:
Science
- Working Scientifically
- Observation and measurement
- Evidence collection and analysis
- Evaluating scientific evidence
- Drawing conclusions from data
History
- Crime and punishment through time
- The development of policing
- Historical change and continuity
Criminology and Enrichment
- Introduction to forensic investigation
- Evidence-based decision making
- The role of science within criminal justice
Skills Developed
Students will develop:
- Scientific enquiry
- Observation and attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Evidence evaluation
- Logical reasoning
Visit Information
This workshop forms part of a full museum learning day, running from 10:00am until 2:00pm.
During the day, groups rotate through a programme of activities consisting of:
- One 45-minute Crime Scene Investigation workshop
- One 45-minute guided museum experience
- Two 45-minute self-guided museum exploration sessions
- One 45-minute lunch break
This varied programme allows students to combine practical learning, facilitated interpretation and independent discovery throughout their visit.
Practical Information
Suitable for: KS4
Workshop duration: 45 minutes
Museum visit: Full learning day (10:00am–2:00pm)
Group size: Up to 35 students per group
Daily capacity: Up to three groups (approximately 105 students) can be accommodated each day, with groups rotating through the day’s activities.
Accessibility: We are committed to making our learning programme accessible to all learners. Please let us know about any access requirements when booking so we can adapt the session wherever possible.
Why Choose This Workshop?
Crime & Punishment: Crime Scene Investigation brings together practical science, history and critical thinking in an engaging museum setting. Through hands-on forensic investigation and exploration of authentic historic police cells, students experience how scientific methods have transformed policing while gaining a deeper understanding of the history of crime and punishment.
Designed to encourage curiosity, collaboration and evidence-based reasoning, this workshop offers a memorable learning experience that supports classroom teaching while making the curriculum come alive.
