Young crimefighters in the spotlight
BUDDING forensic detectives from secondary schools across the Loughborough area are developing their crime scene investigation skills to solve a simulated death in the Science Detectives Challenge category of this year’s 3M Young Innovators Challenge.
A total of 110 students from 11 schools are working to solve the death of fictitious geology university student, Josh Nicholson, in a case called Death Among the Fossils.
Their first task was a visit to the mocked-up crime scene at 3M’s Charnwood Campus building last week to gather evidence to help determine how Josh died and which of a list of suspects might be responsible.
Two meeting rooms were transformed by 3M staff into Josh’s kitchen, bedroom and desk areas, all containing vital clues.
Taking on the role of scene of crime officers and wearing coveralls, masks and gloves, the students conducted a thorough examination of the scene, photographing, measuring and taking specimens for further analysis.
Under the guidance of 3M staff, the students used sophisticated scientific techniques, including gas chromatography and Infrared Spectroscopy equipment in 3M’s
Research and Development (R&D) laboratories, to help unravel the many clues.
Sam Holmes, marketed product support group Leader in 3M’s analytical research and development department and one of the challenge judges said: “This is a really popular and exciting challenge because it’s so realistic. The students learn how to take fingerprints, analyse handwriting and conduct sample analysis in lab conditions.
“Our colleagues in R&D helped to guide the students in these areas as well as preparing chromatography and toxicology reports to make the situation as authentic as possible.
“The Science Detectives Challenge maximises the opportunity for forensic science-related Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) learning. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results of their investigations.”
The students, in teams of up to five, will now spend time in their respective schools to conduct their investigation based on the evidence collected and produce lab analysis and crime scene reports and a poster with their conclusions for presentation to the judges in May.
New to this year’s challenge was Maplewell Hall School in Woodhouse Eaves. Science teacher, Samina Comerford, said: “We are immensely proud of our students who have come out of their comfort zone to take part in the challenge.
They have really enjoyed the experience of visiting 3M’s crime scene and laboratories. We are so excited to see their investigative work as they attempt to solve the mystery ‘death among the fossils’. What an experience!”
The 3M Young Innovators Challenge was devised by 3M, the science-based technology company, and has been run in partnership with the Loughborough Echo every year since 2013. It is also being supported by the Loughborough Learning Alliance, Practical Action Schools and the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) College in Loughborough.