|
The
Sacrificial Cat? is a "Who done it?" crime written for Years
6 - 8. It can run from 1 to 5 days. The unit is almost self
sufficient, requiring minimal assistance from the hosting
school.
Each group of three or four students is given an evidence
kit and using their ingenuity and the material contained in
the kit, they are required to solve the crime. It challenges
students to employ clear thinking and use problem solving
skills using forensic science as the vehicle.
All
groups work on the same crime but there are over 20 unique
solutions making it very difficult for students to find the
solution from other groups.
Students require some access to an Excel file on computers
and some access to basic science equipment.
After
working on the problem, students may "know" who the criminal
is. Assembling sufficient proof and gaining a conviction in
a court of law is an entirely different matter. For some students
the highlight of The Sacrificial Cat? is engaging in a mock
court situation where the evidence is assembled by the students
to secure a probable conviction.
After
completing the module, students should have:
- Had
fun
- Gained
new forensic science skills
- Engaged
in difficult, advanced problem solving activities
- Achieved
a great sense of satisfaction having persevered and solved
the crime
- Continued
to learn cooperation and sharing skills by working in groups
- Gained
an understanding that the TV series CSI is an artificial
environment and the real world is much more difficult
- Learnt
in a relatively unstructured but safe environment
- Been
intellectually challenged
- Learnt
the difference between "knowing" who is the suspect who
committed the crime and being able to prove "beyond reasonable
doubt" that the suspect is guilty
- Continued
to learn sharing and group skills
Information
for schools:
- A
detailed risk management plan has been written and is tailored
for each school
- Assisting
supervising teachers do not need to be science trained
- Briefing
notes are given to supervising teachers
- Logistics
- Access to science laboratories desirable but not essential,
computers to read an Excel file and a space in which the
whole group can meet
- One
day set up prior to the camp; minimal time required post
camp
- Detailed
evaluation of student responses conducted.
Go
to top
|
