Bear Forensics Adventure

Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 6
Typical Time to Complete: 2–3 weeks
Typical Number of Meetings: 1-2 meetings
Parent Involvement: Low to moderate
Preparation Needed: Gather materials, set up activities, optional visit coordination
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Mostly indoor, some outdoor options
Special Requirements: Fingerprinting, shoe imprint, substance testing, chromatography, evidence collection
Supplies Snapshot: Paper, ink pads, magnifying glass, common substances (salt, sugar, baking soda, cornstarch), coffee filters, markers, water, simple tools for imprints

The Bear Forensics Adventure introduces Cub Scouts to the basics of solving mysteries using science. Scouts learn what forensics means and how it helps people understand what happened at a scene. The focus is on simple ideas and hands-on activities that keep Scouts interested and involved.

As they work through this adventure, Scouts try different methods like fingerprints, testing substances, and making imprints. These activities help them see how science works in real situations. They practice observing details and thinking carefully about what they find.

Scouts also work together to solve problems. This helps them build teamwork and confidence. By the end, they have a better understanding of how to look for clues and how to use what they learn in everyday life.

Printable requirements for the Bear Forensics Adventure

Checkoff sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Bear Forensics Adventure

Printable checkoff sheet for the Bear Badge (for den or individual use)

Requirement 2: Fun With Fingerprints

Analyze your fingerprints.

Scouts learn that fingerprints are unique and can be used to identify people. Keep it simple and hands-on.

Easy Option:
Have Scouts press inked fingers on paper and compare patterns. Let them match prints to each other. See Fingerprint Fun.

Here are some more options:

• Are You There? Cub Scouts discover that even if they can’t see their fingerprint with their naked eye, they are still there.
• Fingerprint Art: Scouts ink their fingers and press them onto paper to see the patterns. They can turn these prints into art by drawing faces or scenes around them.

Requirement 3: Tracking With Shoe Imprints

Make a shoe imprint.

Scouts learn how shoe prints can show where someone has been. Focus on making and comparing prints.

Easy Option:
Have Scouts step on paper with chalk or dirt on their shoes and compare the prints. See Gumshoe.

• Imprint Relay: Set up a sandbox or mud pit where Scouts can make shoe imprints. Have teams race to match a set of imprints to the correct Scout’s shoes.
• Mystery Trail: Create a trail of shoe imprints leading to a “clue” hidden somewhere. Scouts follow the imprints to find the clue and solve a mystery.

More resources:

• Heavy Shoes: Cub Scouts make a shoe impression.
• Read more about making Plaster of Paris prints
• Muddy Shoe: Cub Scout investigate how their shoe can leave a print in the dirt.

Requirement 4: Discovering Substances

Do an analysis of four different substances: salt, sugar, baking soda and cornstarch.

Scouts compare common materials and notice differences. Keep the focus on observing and describing.

Easy Option:
Give small samples of salt, sugar, baking soda, and cornstarch. Let Scouts look closely and describe what they see. Test with water and vinegar. See In the Kitchen.

Other ideas:

• Microscope Discovery: If available, use a microscope to look at each substance up close.
• Dissolving Race: Scouts predict which substance will dissolve fastest in water. They test their predictions by stirring equal amounts of each into separate cups of water and timing how long they take to dissolve.

Requirement 5: Chromatography

Learn about chromatography and how it is used in solving crimes.

Scouts learn how colors can separate to show what something is made of. Keep it simple and visual.

Easy Option:
Draw marker dots on coffee filters and add water. Watch the colors spread and separate. See What Color Is It?.

Requirement 6: Evidence Collection

Find out how officers collect evidence.

Scouts learn how to collect and protect evidence. Focus on being careful and organized.

Easy Option:
Set up a small mock scene. Have Scouts wear gloves and collect a few items in bags.

More resources:

• Collect the Evidence: Cub Scouts learn how evidence is collected.
• Learn more about visiting a police station.

The Bear Forensics Adventure is an engaging part of the Bear Cub Scouts program that introduces young Scouts to the exciting world of forensic science. Through this adventure, Scouts learn how different scientific techniques can help solve mysteries and crimes. They start by exploring what forensics is and how it plays a crucial role in law enforcement.

Scouts engage in hands-on activities like analyzing their fingerprints, making shoe imprints, and examining common substances such as salt, sugar, baking soda, and cornstarch. Each of these activities is designed to help Scouts understand the unique properties of these substances and how they can be identified.

They also learn about chromatography, a method used to separate mixtures and identify their components. This process shows Scouts how detectives and scientists analyze substances found at crime scenes. Furthermore, Scouts discover how officers carefully collect and preserve evidence to ensure it remains useful in solving crimes.

Overall, the Bear Forensics Adventure not only teaches Bear Cub Scouts about the fundamentals of forensic science but also helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a practical and fun way for Scouts to apply science in real-world scenarios, enhancing their curiosity and understanding of the world.