Crime Scene Puppet Show: A 7th Grade Science Project
Created byElizabeth Martinez
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Crime Scene Puppet Show: A 7th Grade Science Project

Grade 7ScienceBiologyOther5 days
In this 7th-grade science project, students create a puppet show to accurately depict a crime scene investigation. The project emphasizes the roles of forensic scientists, methods of evidence collection and analysis, and the process of presenting evidence in court. Students work collaboratively to research, write a script, design puppets and a set, and perform their puppet show, demonstrating their understanding of forensic science concepts.
Crime Scene InvestigationForensic ScienceEvidence CollectionEvidence AnalysisPuppet ShowCourt Presentation
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a puppet show that accurately depicts a crime scene investigation, highlighting the roles of forensic scientists, the methods of evidence collection and analysis, and the process of presenting evidence in court?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What is crime scene investigation?
  • What are the roles of forensic scientists?
  • How to collect evidence?
  • How to analyze evidence?
  • How to present evidence in court?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to describe the role of forensic scientists.
  • Students will be able to explain how to collect evidence.
  • Students will be able to explain how to analyze evidence.
  • Students will be able to explain how to present evidence in court.
  • Students will be able to create a puppet show that accurately depicts a crime scene investigation.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Cold Case Challenge

A local detective arrives in class to present a 'cold case' involving a mysterious footprint and fiber evidence. Students examine the evidence, brainstorm possible scenarios, and formulate initial hypotheses about the crime, sparking their interest in crime scene investigation techniques.

The Classroom Crime Scene

Students participate in a mock 'crime scene' setup in the classroom, complete with evidence markers and a staged scenario. They take on roles of forensic investigators to collect initial observations and evidence. This hands-on experience immediately immerses them in the world of crime scene investigation.

The Community Crime Mystery

Present students with a fictional news report about a crime in their local community that lacks crucial evidence. Challenge them to identify what's missing and how a thorough crime scene investigation could help solve the case, connecting the project to their own experiences and surroundings.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Forensic Scientist Spotlight

Students research different forensic scientists and their roles. They will write a short biography for their chosen scientist.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Choose a specific type of forensic scientist (e.g., DNA analyst, forensic entomologist, crime scene investigator).
2. Research the daily tasks, responsibilities, and required education for the chosen role.
3. Write a one-page biography summarizing the key aspects of the scientist's job.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA one-page biography of a forensic scientist.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to describe the role of forensic scientists.
Activity 2

Evidence Collection Handbook

Students create a guide on how to properly collect and document evidence at a crime scene.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify common types of evidence found at crime scenes (e.g., fingerprints, footprints, fibers).
2. Research the correct procedures for collecting and preserving each type of evidence.
3. Create an illustrated guide demonstrating the proper techniques.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn illustrated guide to evidence collection.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain how to collect evidence.
Activity 3

Lab Analysis Unveiled

Students will investigate how different types of evidence are analyzed in a lab setting.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select a type of evidence (e.g., blood spatter, DNA, ballistics).
2. Research how this evidence is analyzed in a forensic lab.
3. Create a presentation that explains the analysis process, tools used, and what information can be gained.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation explaining evidence analysis techniques.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain how to analyze evidence.
Activity 4

Evidence on Trial

Students will prepare a script for how forensic evidence is presented and defended in court.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research how evidence is typically presented in court, including expert witness testimony.
2. Write a script that includes questions for a forensic expert and their answers about the evidence.
3. Ensure the script accurately reflects the scientific analysis and its implications.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA mock trial script focusing on evidence presentation.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain how to present evidence in court.
Activity 5

Crime Scene Puppet Show

Students work in groups to combine their individual work into a cohesive puppet show that tells the story of a crime scene investigation.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Each student shares their individual activity findings with their group.
2. The group collaborates to write a script that incorporates all the key elements of a crime scene investigation.
3. The group designs and creates puppets and a set for their puppet show.
4. The group rehearses and performs the puppet show.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete crime scene investigation puppet show.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goals: Students will be able to describe the role of forensic scientists. Students will be able to explain how to collect evidence. Students will be able to explain how to analyze evidence. Students will be able to explain how to present evidence in court. Students will be able to create a puppet show that accurately depicts a crime scene investigation.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Crime Scene Puppet Show Rubric

Category 1

Puppet Show Performance

Focuses on the scientific accuracy, narrative clarity, visual design, and collaborative teamwork demonstrated in the crime scene puppet show.
Criterion 1

Content Accuracy

Accuracy of the forensic science concepts and processes portrayed in the puppet show.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of forensic science concepts, with innovative and accurate portrayal of processes. The puppet show reflects a deep understanding of the complexities involved in crime scene investigation.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding of forensic science concepts, with appropriate application of processes. The puppet show accurately reflects the steps and roles involved in a crime scene investigation.

Developing
2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of forensic science concepts, with inconsistent application of processes. The puppet show includes some inaccuracies or oversimplifications in the portrayal of crime scene investigation.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows initial understanding of forensic science concepts, but struggles with the application of processes. The puppet show contains significant inaccuracies or omissions in the portrayal of crime scene investigation.

Criterion 2

Narrative Clarity

Clarity and organization of the puppet show's narrative and presentation.

Exemplary
4 Points

The narrative is exceptionally clear, logical, and engaging, creating a compelling and easily understandable storyline. The presentation is polished and maintains audience interest throughout.

Proficient
3 Points

The narrative is clear, logical, and generally engaging, providing a coherent storyline. The presentation is well-organized and maintains audience interest.

Developing
2 Points

The narrative is somewhat unclear or disorganized, making the storyline difficult to follow at times. The presentation lacks some organization and may lose audience interest.

Beginning
1 Points

The narrative is unclear, illogical, and difficult to follow. The presentation is disorganized and fails to maintain audience interest.

Criterion 3

Visual Design

Creativity and craftsmanship in the design and construction of the puppets and set.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional creativity and craftsmanship in the design and construction of the puppets and set. The visual elements are innovative, aesthetically pleasing, and enhance the storytelling.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates creativity and craftsmanship in the design and construction of the puppets and set. The visual elements are well-made and contribute to the storytelling.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some creativity in the design of the puppets and set, but the craftsmanship is inconsistent. The visual elements may not fully contribute to the storytelling.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows limited creativity in the design of the puppets and set, and the craftsmanship is lacking. The visual elements are poorly made and detract from the storytelling.

Criterion 4

Collaboration

Effective teamwork and collaboration among group members in the development and performance of the puppet show.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits outstanding teamwork and collaboration, with all group members actively engaged and contributing their unique skills and perspectives. The group demonstrates leadership and effectively resolves conflicts.

Proficient
3 Points

Exhibits effective teamwork and collaboration, with all group members contributing to the development and performance of the puppet show. The group works well together and resolves conflicts constructively.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some teamwork and collaboration, but there may be uneven participation among group members. The group may struggle to resolve conflicts effectively.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows limited teamwork and collaboration, with one or more group members not actively participating. The group struggles to work together and resolve conflicts.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

What was the most challenging aspect of creating the puppet show, and how did your group overcome it?

Text
Required
Question 2

How did your understanding of forensic science and crime scene investigation change as a result of this project?

Text
Required
Question 3

To what extent do you agree with the following statement: 'Our puppet show accurately depicted the process of a crime scene investigation.'

Scale
Required
Question 4

Which aspect of the crime scene investigation (role of forensic scientists, evidence collection, evidence analysis, or presenting evidence in court) did your group portray most effectively, and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Role of forensic scientists
Evidence collection
Evidence analysis
Presenting evidence in court