Present a lecture and readings on the important components of a crime scene, and what type of data forensic investigators gather. Divide the students into teams. Have each team construct a crime scene, and assign one member of each group to be the criminal. The students could use paint to leave fake blood or they could leave fingerprints or items lying around that point to the criminal. The other teams have to work to figure out who the criminal is in each group. They will have to employ forensic techniques, such as dusting for fingerprints and maintaining a chain of custody.
For homework, have students write a signature, for example John Hancock, three times on an unlined sheet of paper. They should write it normally, in a fist moving only their wrist and arm and then with the pen clenched in their elbows. They will see how there are still similarities among their writings. The next day, have students exchange their signatures with other students in the class. The students must go around and collect handwriting samples to figure out whose piece of paper they have.
Divide the class into two or more teams, depending on the number of students. Ask the teams questions such as what type of evidence was used to convict Ted Bundy, how is the time of death calculated and who created what is known as the "Body Farm." Quiz students on information that they have been taught in the course. Award points to whichever team gets the correct answer. Give a prize, such as extra points on the next examination, to whichever team has the most points at the end of the game.
Online mysteries allow students to really get into the heart of a forensic investigation, since graphics can create lifelike scenarios. Have younger students try the Forensic Files for a more mild game where you will learn a lot about the field. More advanced students might enjoy the thrills of both the River of Venom Mystery and the Arctica Mystery. Allow students to work in pairs or groups or by themselves if there are enough computers.