It is the fourth day of the Forensic Science Workshop. Cornelia begins the afternoon by reviewing different methods used in forensic science. These were handwriting analysis, fingerprinting, cryptography, chromatography, DNA analysis, and observation. The kids will begin with an activity that involves that they solve a crime using the forensic science methods they have learned throughout the week.
Matt comes into announce to the kids that some money has been stolen from Shodor. An intern Carla Clark, asked for the key to the top left-hand drawer in the White house next door. It is up to the kids to find out who stole the money, who really has the key, and who actually knows where the money is. Once again, the kids must use the forensic science skills or methods that they have learned throughout the week to investigate and solve the skill. They start out with observation and questioning. They are also able to use search warrants to arrest suspects and are able to go around the office to ask possible suspects questions to find further evidence. However, they are told if they suspect a person to be the criminal, they must have reason to back it up. After the kids find a reasonable amount of evidence, a mock trial will take place and the kids will be able to use the evidence and facts that they have gathered to convict someone and solve the case.
After the kids go around collecting evidence of what they find to be suspicious, they come back together as a group and share what evidence they have found and reason on it. They really collaborate as a group and make really good suggestions as to what they should do to convict who they think is the criminal. The kids are encouraged to make conclusions based on the evidence that they collected so that tomorrow, they will be able to play a good role in their defense or prosecution of the trial.
The afternoon session of the workshop ends as the kids type in their reflections for the day.