School and Youth Programs

Take the Case: Chain of Evidence
6th-8th grade/Science/Online activity/Accessible anytime
Someone has stolen two valuable paintings from the mansion of a prominent Seattle citizen. In Take the Case: Chain of Evidence, YOU are the law enforcement officer assigned to the case. Use forensic tools and techniques to investigate the crime scene and analyze what you collect. Interview suspects and evaluate the answers you receive. Finally, compile your evidence to build a case that will hold up in court.

In this online activity, participants will learn about the tools and techniques used by crime scene investigators to collect and preserve physical evidence. Then, find out what lab analysis can and can’t reveal about that evidence when fibers, footprints, and other pieces are analyzed. During the interview process, see the types of questions asked to reveal possible motives, inconsistencies, or alibis. Serve a search warrant based on interviews to collect even more physical evidence. Finally, participants will see how it all must come together in order to build a case that will stand up in court.

What’s in the Evidence?
6th-8th grade/Science/In development
A crime has been committed at the Museum! Using hands-on forensic science, problem-solving skills, and a little creativity, students investigate the evidence left behind to reveal the perpetrator. Meets science standards set by the National Academies of Sciences, as well as state standsards. Available now, free during testing phase. Partially funded by the Verizon Foundation.

Policing: Where Democracy Meets the Streets

9th-10th grade/Civics and History/In development
This Washington, DC walking tour and activity will introduce students to the workings of our nation's democratic system and the role of law enforcement within it. Starting at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary Square, highlighted historic locations include the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the United States Capitol. Partially funded by the Verizon Foundation.

National Law Enforcement Museum Teen Advisory Council
6th-12th grade/Leadership/Weekly DC-based activity
Metropolitan Washington youth advise Education Program staff on program development designed to appeal to teens. Overall goal is to promote respect, trust and confidence between law enforcement officers and community youth. Participants learn real life work skills in leadership, strategic thinking, project planning, and team work - skills that are especially important to the college bound student. Partially funded by the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation.