We had so much fun this week becoming Junior Detectives. After practicing our investigative skills all week, we were able to solve two “real” crimes at the museum on Friday.
On Monday, campers were taught the basics of crime scene investigations. In the Micro Lab, we mapped a real crime scene. We collected physical evidence, like swabs of “blood” and fingerprints, and used markers to map the scene. Afterwards, we practiced our eyewitness skills in the How observant are you? game. Campers were able to spot the differences between two scenes and tried to remember ambiguous details. To further explore our memory, we played a memory matching game. Finally, it was time to sort through some disorganized data and learn about the process of putting together a crime timeline.
On Tuesday, we learned more about physical evidence. Campers explored ridgeology, or the study of fingerprints, and tested their own fingerprints to see what kind they had. Then, we were able to lift latent fingerprints using magnetic powder. Campers really enjoyed this activity (and got to use these skills later in the week). After fingerprinting, we moved on to other types of physical evidence. We looked at the different types of hair and fiber evidence before making our own model hair shaft. To close out the day, we uncovered a handwriting hoax and learned about the different types of handwriting.
On Wednesday, our campers were able to become wildlife detectives. They first learned about the ways insects are used to help solve crimes. Through two case scenarios, campers used their knowledge of crime solving insects to help determine how long ago an animal had died. Then, we had the chance to investigate the differences between horns and antlers. With the tools they learned, they solved a case of wildlife poaching in Maine. To learn more about wildlife crimes, we explored mystery track patterns and hypothesized scenarios that could have caused them. This activity allowed the campers to be very creative, and they really enjoyed it! To wrap up, we created decoders, which allowed the campers to write secret messages to each other. These decoders came in handy on Friday!
On Thursday, we dove deeper into the world of DNA. First, we learned about using DNA evidence in a criminal investigation. With this background information in mind, we extracted the DNA from a strawberry in the Micro Lab. This activity allowed campers to see real DNA! Afterwards, we created strands of DNA using pipe cleaners and beads before solving the Case of the Missing Necklace using DNA evidence! Finally, we did the DNA, RNA, and Snorks craft, where campers created a mythical creature (Snork) based on the genes they were given. Campers did a great job translating the DNA genes into phenotypes!
On Friday, it was time to graduate from Detective Academy by solving a “real” crime. Campers were told that they were going to listen to a Forensic Anthropology presentation and then suddenly, we needed their help solving two crimes that occured at the museum! Younger campers had to solve the case of the missing snack cart and collected evidence including fingerprints, handwriting samples, and video footage of the robbery. After exploring all of the evidence at hand, they correctly identified the guilty suspect (Afternoon Assistant Director, Abby). Older campers investigated the theft of a large crystal at the museum store. These campers were able to look at fingerprints, hair samples, and MCard logs, and also interviewed their three suspects. Luckily, the older campers also successfully identified the guilty suspect. To close out a fantastic week of investigation, campers completed a detective obstacle course and earned their badges.
Thank you so much for sending your camper(s) to Camp Explorations. If we won’t be seeing you for another session, please have a safe and relaxing rest of your summer!