Explories: Caught - an NGSS Unit on Forensics

Welcome to CAUGHT. This is an NGSS unit that integrates a storyline and projects with existing Kesler Science inquiry labs, station labs, and 5E Lessons. In this unit, students will be sent through a fictitious Forensics Academy to learn chemistry principles and evidence-gathering skills they need to solve a non-violent crime.

Unit Introduction Script:

"Have you ever watched a crime show and said to yourself, 'I should be an investigator; I could totally solve that!'? Now is your chance to show off your crime-solving skills.

Congratulations! Your class has been accepted into the Forensic Academy! 

Through this unit, you will move through levels of training and earn badges as you prove your skills. 

Your preparation starts with an introduction to the nervous system and sensory processes. You will then be ready to complete the first project with a focus on the collection and analysis of crime scene evidence. 

Next, your coursework will include chemistry lessons that will give you the tools to analyze collected evidence such as lipstick and blood. By the time you are ready to graduate from the Forensics Academy, you will have a complete Rookie Handbook of information. 

This handbook will be of utmost importance as you attempt to solve your first case with your field partner. Good Luck Recruits!!"

Included in this Unit:

• unit overview
• day-by-day teacher instructions
• two unit projects
• six station labs
• eight inquiry labs
• six 5E lessons
• student activity pages
• project-based and traditional assessments
• rubrics for feedback and standards-based grading
• journaling/synthesis activities
• two training videos that teach you how to use the files

NGSS Standards:

• MS-PS1-1 - Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
• MS-PS1-2 - Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
• MS-PS1-5 - Develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved.
• MS-PS3-4 - Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.
• MS-LS1-8 - Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories. 

List of Additional Files Included with this Unit:

Station Labs

• Nervous System Station Lab
• Atoms Station Lab
• Molecules Station Lab
• Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures Station Lab
• Balancing Chemical Equations Station Lab
• Physical and Chemical Changes Station Lab

Inquiry Labs

• Nervous System Inquiry Lab
• Molecules Inquiry Lab
• Balancing Chemical Equations Inquiry Lab
• Law of Conservation of Mass Inquiry Lab
• Chemical and Physical Changes Inquiry Lab
• Chemical Reactions – Forensic Edition Inquiry Lab
• Chemical Reactions and Mass Inquiry Lab
• Calorimetry Inquiry Lab

5E Notes/INB Templates

• Nervous System
• Atoms
• Molecules
• Elements and Compounds
• Balancing Chemical Equations
• Chemical Changes

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.