What are the camps about?

The Forensic Science Camps use forensic science to allow like minded students in the middle years who like problem solving, working with others and solving challenges with little assistance from adults to be challenged! And very importantly also to have fun!

What is the difference between "The Ultimate Challenge"and "The Sacrificial Cat?

"The Ultimate Challenge"operates for 5 days and is designed for students who enjoy the chase, thrive on solving difficult problems and love a challenge. The campers are given a Police Report of a crime. From that report, they have to solve the crime.

The campers' success depends on their ingenuity and problem solving skills. They have access to various forensic tests, can interview people of interest, conduct searches of suspects' houses and do all they need to finally issue an arrest warrant of the suspect.

The heart of the camp is problem solving and stickability while working in small groups; at the same time, much forensic science is practiced and learnt.

On the final day, the campers assume different roles in a court and try to have their suspect convicted.

A team of 12 students who have attended previous camps are responsible for writing the crimes and assisting the campers to solve their crime. There is no "correct" pathway - the route will depend on how the campers attack the challenge.

The camp is intellecutally challenging and hugely rewarding.
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"The Sacrificial Cat?" is designed for any student who wishes to learn about Forensic Science and who enjoys problem solving.

All students have the opportunity to learn forensic science skills. In small groups, students are presented with a crime and different pieces of evidence. There are at least 20 different solutions so copying from another group is difficult!

On the final afternoon, the groups combine to try and gain a conviction of the suspect.

The camp is challenging and very rewarding.

How are the two camps really different?

By their length and difficulty and the level of assistance provided. "The Ultimate Challenge" is a very interactive camp with multiple pathways to the solution.

"The Sacrificial Cat?" is easier and it is designed as a self contained programme for a group of students who want to enjoy the challenge of solving a crime and learning some forensic science skills.

"The Sacrificial Cat?" can be modified to suit the needs of schools.

What have students said about the camps?

• One of the most amazing experiences - thank you
• I had a great time. It was fun
• Thanks for constructing the camp, I really enjoyed it - thank you
• I loved getting the chance to meet people from around the state who have similar interests to me...
• The worst thing about the camp was having to leave
• I had so much fun and I will totally remember it for ever
• ...it was worth doing instead of sitting at home doing nothing in the holidays
• The best thing about the camp was solving the case and using the lab stuff and also the challenge
• The best thing about the camp was being able to work with people with the same capabilities as me

Information for schools:

• A detailed risk management plan has been written and will be tailored for each school
• Assisting supervising teachers do not need to be science trained
• Briefing notes are given to supervising teachers
• Logistics - Access to science laboratories, computers to read an Excel file and a space in which the whole group can meet
• One day set up prior to the camp; minimal time required post camp
• Thorough evaluation of student responses conducted.

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