Forensics
One-Week Summer Science Program
With TV shows like CSI and Bones being so popular, Forensics has become an important and exciting discipline in science. This is a chance for students to delve into a subject they don’t see in school! Perfect for those who are interested in Anatomy and Biology or crime, no other course combines these topics as well as Forensics.
Last year, students studied fingerprinting and used their newfound knowledge to track down a culprit via the prints they left. They learned about anatomical indicators in bone structure, tissues, and teeth, even making molds of their own fingers and footprints. We included a lesson in facial reconstruction software as well which is oftentimes used to identify a victim.
This program is designed for teens interested in an investigative or pre-law / legal career.
Looking for a more in-depth forensics experience? Consider our three-week Forensic Science program.
July 27th – July 31st, 2026
Greater Wellesley, MA
More About: Awards – Research Programs – Sample Week
Course Overview
Join BLI for an experience that offers brand new and additional material from courses offered in years past. Students will have the opportunity to do the following activities:
- Learn various fingerprinting techniques:
- Students will use magnetic fingerprint powder and a magnetic fingerprint wand to find and analyze fingerprints used to solve crimes
- Students will learn a more traditional fingerprinting technique using a fingerprint feather duster to physically brush fingerprints and analyze them
- Students will use fluorescent fingerprint powder and a black light source to analyze fingerprints
- Students will use an investigative material known as hinge lifters, or single-sided tape, to lift fingerprints off of smooth surface evidence.
- Students will also use the following materials to gain further insight into fingerprinting: 10 FBI print fingerprint cards and Inkless ink pads
- Use Blood Typing to Analyze a Crime Scene:
- Students will use simulated blood and anti- serum to blood type the blood at a fictional crime scene. Students will analyze the various blood types in order to discover which suspect’s blood matches with that found at the crime scene in order to solve the case.
- Make Footprint Impressions:
- Students will be given the necessary materials in order to make a personal footwear cast and learn the skills required to identify footprints at a crime scene.
- Simulated Drug Testing
- This lab activity uses chemistry techniques to simulate spot testing for illicit drugs. Students will use a simulated drug testing kit, combined with the black light source to learn actual forensic drug testing techniques.
- Other Various Crime Scene Hands-on Activities:
- Students will be given other various pieces of evidence commonly found at crime scenes and will have to use the provided evidence bags and combination magnifying glass and tweezers to process and analyze them.
Past Instructor: Dr. Rich Fox
Mr. Fox received forensic training at some of the finest scientific facilities in the country, including the Human Genome Project, The Human Remains I.D Lab, Oak Ridge National Labs, and The McCrone School of Microscopy. He has assisted with the identification of remains from mass graves in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of a United Nations team. Mr. Fox is a member of the International Association for Forensic Identification. He has been selected for the Society for Science and the Public Fellows Program. Mr. Fox’s teaching assignments have included secondary schools in Las Vegas and Boston, the Johns Hopkins Center for Gifted Youth, and Tufts University. He was a 2012 Honoree of the Massachusetts Society for Biomedical Research.
Student Comments
‘My experience at this camp was very enjoyable. The teachers were a lot of fun to talk with, and were helpful when I had questions. Their teaching style was very hands-on and interactive, and helped me to learn many things about forensic science.’
‘I liked the balance of lecture and labs that we had on the daily. The lessons on blood splatter, footprint, and fingerprints were all informative and fun.’
‘I loved Mr. Fox because he has lots of experience in the forensics field and he clearly has so many things to teach within the field, so I can keep staying engaged. I liked the hands-on activities that this course frequently keeps doing, which gives some type of real-life application.’
‘Dr. Fox and his TA were very kind and showed through their actions that they wanted you to learn and were excited to share their knowledge with us. They allowed us to go and figure out what we like to look into all these amazing things.’
Note: This page represents our best expectations for the program. Activities and instructors are subject to change. In such cases, similar activities and a comparably qualified instructor will be sought.
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