Your learners become forensic chemists! 

How can forensic chemists analyze substances to solve mysteries?  Learners solve a crime by figuring out what pen was used to write a note.

 

Drawing of a magnifying glass in front of a blue circle containing a drawing of a molecule.

 

 

 

Drawing of a magnifying glass in front of a blue circle containing a drawing of a molecule.
Drawing of a magnifying glass in front of a blue circle containing a drawing of a molecule.

Training Resources

Educators, review these resources as you prepare to lead the activity with learners.

Be a Forensic Chemist Facilitation Video

You can use this video as a facilitation refresher before you lead the activity! 

Be a Forensic Chemist Training Courses
 

Make sure you have completed these courses prior to leading the activity.
 

Click on each image to access the relevant training course.
A picture of a young girl wearing a lab coat and goggles, behind the text Science is For Everyone, Start Course.

 

A split graphic with text on the left, and a diagram on the right. The text reads, The Core Four Strategies for Engaging Science Learning. The graphic on the right lists the four strategies: Ask Questions, Encourage Scientific Thinking, Cultivate Rich Dialogue, and Make Connections.

 

Blue rectangle that says Be a Forensic Chemist next to image of female scientist
Drawing of a magnifying glass in front of a blue circle containing a drawing of a molecule.
Drawing of a magnifying glass in front of a blue circle containing a drawing of a molecule.
Drawing of a magnifying glass in front of a blue circle containing a drawing of a molecule.

Activity Resources

Explore all of the printable resources for Be a Forensic Chemist below!

Educator Resources

Use these resources to prepare to facilitate the activity.

 

The front cover of a blue book that says Be a Forensic Chemist Educator Guide
EDUCATOR GUIDE & MATERIALS LIST

Use these resources to prepare to facilitate the activity.

At the back of each Educator Guide is a Quick Guide, a great tool to reference as you facilitate the activity!

 

Blue rectangle with image of female scientist wearing lab coat and safety glasses with a pipette
CAREER CARD

Use the career card as a visual facilitation aid so learners can see what a person in this career might look like. 

 

Blue rectangle with the words Additional Resources
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
  • Refer to the additional resources guide for supplemental activities and resources.
  • The museum guide highlights exhibits at The Franklin Institute that connect to the Be a Chemist! curriculum and provides prompts to encourage learners to make connections with the activities.
     

Youth Resources

Use these resources with your learners.

 

Blue book cover with 5 colorful icons and title of Lab Notebook
LAB NOTEBOOK

Provide this lab notebook for learners to record their observations and reflections during the activity.

Colorful circles with text in English and Spanish
SCIENCE SKILLS STICKERS

At the end of the activity, allow learners to choose a science skills sticker that reflects how they were like a scientist and put it in their lab notebooks.

Choose another chemist!