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Educational experiences for teenagers, led by specialists.

Forensic science experience·Shelley, West Yorkshire

Wed 17 Feb, 10:00am · 3 hours · Ages 14 to 18

For ages 14 and over. Some scenes are murder investigations with simulated blood, and one has an inflatable body prop, so Think Forensic runs it for teenagers aged 14 to 18.

  • People who know it first-hand

    Every session is run by someone glad to let teenagers into their world.

  • School subjects come alive

    Each experience connects to subjects they study at school, like physics or biology, so they see how things work in real life.

  • Built around teenagers

    This session is designed for ages 14 to 18. They take part and ask their own questions.

  • You come too

    A parent, or another adult you choose, comes along at a reduced price. One adult can bring more than one teenager.

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About this experience

A forensic science experience for teenagers in West Yorkshire.

You always guess who did it. This time, prove it.

The workshop is led by specialists from policing and forensic science, including practitioners still working in the field. At Think Forensic's Crime Scene Centre in Shelley, West Yorkshire, teenagers try forensic techniques, examine evidence and investigate a simulated crime scene with their team. There is time to ask about the specialists' work and discuss what the evidence supports.

What you will do

  1. Hear how forensic specialists use evidence in real investigations.

  2. Watch a fingerprint demonstration with magnetic powder, then ink-roll your own prints and lift one with the powder yourself.

  3. See how footprints are cast, then make a cast of a footprint or tyre track with your team.

  4. Explore hair, fibres and bloodstains, including a visit to the blood room.

  5. Investigate one of nine crime scenes with your team, each with its own story: gather the evidence and work out why its position and condition matter.

  6. Back in the classroom, present what your team found at a mock briefing and work towards a conclusion.

What it connects to

  • Forensic science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
A way into
Fingerprints, footprints and bloodstains, and the question behind every crime drama: who did it?
What they take away
An eye for how evidence is found, recorded and read, and how much a single print or mark can change the story.

What this is really

Every clue tells part of the story. The skill is putting it together.

Can one hair give someone away? Could a footprint belong to someone innocent? The specialists answer from cases they have worked on.

Who runs this

Think Forensic

Venue: Think Forensic's Crime Scene Centre, Shelley, near Huddersfield

Think Forensic runs forensic science experiences at its own Crime Scene Centre in Shelley, near Huddersfield. Its sessions are led by specialists from policing and forensic science, including practitioners still working in the field.

Why this is on Foxchaser: A dedicated crime scene centre and people who have done the work, in a format where teenagers handle the evidence themselves.

Photos: Think Forensic

How this runs
  • WhenWed 17 Feb, 10:00am
  • How long3 hours
  • WhereShelley, West Yorkshire
  • PostcodeHD8 8LU
  • Ages14 to 18
  • The groupTeenagers and their adults, up to 30 people
  • GroupUp to 30 people in total, split into teams across nine crime scenes. A family stays together in one scene, up to five people.
  • AdultA parent, or another adult you choose, takes part with their teenager.
  • FormatDemonstrations and hands-on techniques in the classroom, then a crime scene with your team, then a mock briefing and conclusion back in the classroom.
  • ContentEach of the nine scenes has its own story. Some are murder scenes with simulated blood and one has an inflatable body prop; others have no blood and focus on gathering intelligence about a suspect, such as their car or their lounge. Every activity is optional.
  • AccessStep-free and on one level, with an accessible toilet. Tell us about any access or participation needs before you book.
  • What to wearWarm, comfortable clothes. The Crime Scene Centre is a converted warehouse and can be cold. A crime scene coverall is available if you want to wear one.
Good to know
  • 10am to 1pm. Doors open 10 minutes before the start.
  • Think Forensic's Crime Scene Centre, Shelley, near Huddersfield. For directions: HD8 8LU. The postcode can take you to the back of the industrial estate; the unit is opposite the main car park on Brook House Lane.
  • Parking: a few spaces on site and a large free car park opposite. Disabled parking is available.
  • By train: Shepley or Denby Dale stations, on the Huddersfield to Sheffield line, both about ten minutes' drive away.
  • There is no scheduled break, but anyone can step out at any time. Bring your own drinks; food and drink are not provided.
  • Noise is moderate and loud at times. There is no hearing loop. Large-print materials are available.
  • Each attendee's name is shared with Think Forensic before the day.
If you need to cancel
  • Cancel 14 days or more before the session: a full refund.
  • Cancel less than 14 days before, or not attend on the day: the places cannot be refunded, because the session is committed with Think Forensic by then.
  • If we or Think Forensic cancel the session: a full refund. Always.
Read the full booking terms
What does a teenager actually do at this CSI experience?

They try forensic techniques for themselves: fingerprints, footprints, hair, fibres and bloodstains. Then each team investigates one of the nine crime scenes and presents what it found at a mock briefing back in the classroom.

Is it graphic?

It depends on the scene. Some are murder scenes with simulated blood, and one has an inflatable body prop; others have no blood at all and focus on gathering intelligence about a suspect. Nothing is real, and every activity is optional. If you are unsure whether it is right for your teenager, ask us before booking.

Does a parent have to come?

Yes. A parent, or another adult you choose, comes along and takes part alongside their teenager.

Why is it for ages 14 and over?

Some scenes are murder investigations with simulated blood, and one has an inflatable body prop. Think Forensic runs it for teenagers aged 14 to 18 for that reason.

Can we take photos?

Yes, of your own family. Other people may not wish to be photographed, so please keep them out of your pictures.

How much does it cost?

A teen place is £70 and the adult place is £35. Extra adults are £70 each, where places allow.

Where does it happen?

At Think Forensic's Crime Scene Centre in Shelley, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, with parking on site and a free car park opposite.

How booking works
  1. Choose teen places Book one full-price place for each teenager coming.
  2. Add the adult coming with them A responsible adult stays for the session at a reduced rate.
  3. Bring a friend if you like One adult can bring more than one teen, so a friend can join the same booking.
Read how it works

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