Mock Crime Scene – Animal Scavenger Hunt

If you ask any of my previous Forensics students what their favorite part of class was, they’ll all shout the same thing—THE MOCK CRIME SCENES! There’s something magical about watching students transform into eager detectives, eyes sparkling as they hunt for clues and piece together a mystery. I’m thrilled to bring that same excitement to kids of all ages with this animal-themed mock crime scene activity. It’s simple to set up, fun to explore, and the perfect way to introduce problem-solving and science through play. Dr. Judy Staveley

Objective:To engage children in a hands-on,

inquiry-based activity where they use observation, critical thinking, and teamwork to solve a playful “crime” using animal-themed evidence.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP):

Materials Needed:

• Rabbit “Mock Crime Scene” graphic (printed poster or displayed digitally)

• Evidence markers (1–5) – printed or small cards numbered

• Clues:

  • Paw print cutouts or stickers

  • Tuft of faux fur (or cotton ball)

  • Leaf or feather (real or craft item)

  • Half-eaten “apple” prop (fake fruit or image)

• Masking tape or rope to outline a “crime scene” area

• Clipboards or paper for note-taking

• Pencils/pens

• Optional: Magnifying glasses for extra fun

Procedure:

Step 1: Setup the Scene

1. Select an open space (library corner, classroom, or outdoor area).

2. Place the rabbit graphic at the “scene” to represent the “witness” or key character.

3. Arrange the evidence (paw prints, feather, fur, half-eaten apple) around the area.

4. Mark each piece with an evidence number card.

5. Outline the area with masking tape or rope to create a defined “crime scene zone.

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Brief the Participants

1. Gather the children and explain the scenario:“Something mysterious happened in our forest clearing last night! We have clues, and it’s up to YOU to figure out which animal might have left them behind.”

2. Assign roles if desired (Lead Detective, Evidence Collector, Note-Taker).

Investigate the Scene

1. Allow children to walk around the scene, observing each piece of evidence.

2. Encourage them to record observations: What does each clue tell us? Which animal might it belong to?

3. Use guiding questions:

   • What do you notice about the paw print?

   • Why might there be a feather here?

   • Who could have nibbled the apple?

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Solve the Mystery

1. Have the group share their findings.

2. Guide them to piece together the clues logically (e.g., paw prints + fur + nibbled apple = rabbit suspect!).

3. Celebrate their success as “Junior Detectives!”

4. Give them a certificate or badge if they solve the mystery

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Safety & Clean-Up:

• Ensure props are safe for handling by children.

• Collect all materials afterward for reuse.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop observation and inference skills.

• Understand basic evidence collection principles.

• Experience teamwork and problem-solving in a playful, forensic-themed activity.