Forensic Detectives

Intro to conventional forensic science

Mocked up crime scene with evidence numbers

Forensic Detectives is offered in-person as well as virtually on-demand.

In-Person Forensic Detectives

With the popularity of shows such as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) the true nature of forensic science is often glamorized. As a result, TV viewers don’t have a true understanding of the field. Although DNA fingerprinting is a useful technique for forensic scientists, it certainly isn’t the only method used to solve crimes! Through a series of forensic labs and activities, participants will experience forensics in a more realistic fashion than conveyed during prime time. Participants will:

  • use techniques employed by CSI experts to analyze a "crime scene" and collect evidence such as fibers, fingerprints, footprints, hair, and blood;
  • explore areas of forensic science including pathology, entomology, and forensic profiling;
  • investigate the science behind evidence like fingerprints and blood spatter;
  • perform a real DNA analysis and interpret the results; and
  • learn about different techniques used for DNA analysis and discuss the pros and cons of this type of evidence.

Details:

  • Grades: entering grades 9–10
  • Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Parent Day Friday, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 pm in CSH and 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. in NYC and Sleepy Hollow
  • Week of 7/3 camp is Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., there will be no class on Tuesday July 4th. Parent Day Friday following camp at 2:30 p.m.
  • $580 per student
  • Available at:
    DNA Learning Center DNA Learning Center NYC Regeneron DNA Learning Center icon

Virtual Forensic Detectives

With the popularity of shows such as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), the true nature of forensic science is often misconstrued. Although DNA fingerprinting is a useful technique for forensic scientists, it certainly isn’t the only method used to solve crimes! Through a series of at-home forensic labs and activities, participants will experience forensics in a more realistic fashion than conveyed during prime time. Campers will:

  • use techniques employed by experts to analyze a "crime scene" and process evidence;
  • examine fingerprint minutiae and microscopic hair and fiber samples;
  • perform a mock blood spatter analysis; and
  • observe how to conduct a DNA analysis and learn how to interpret gel electrophoresis results.

Details:

  • Grades: entering grade 9–10
  • $400 On-Demand
  • Available:
    Virtual On-Demand Camp icon