Forensic Geology Investigation: An Introduction to Geoscience and the Scientific Method

Shelley Whitmeyer, James Madison University

Initial Publication Date: December 8, 2025

Summary

Students use a map, soil, and minerals to solve a murder. This activity is set up as an escape room. To begin the students are given an envelope with some evidence, i.e., the data. They are asked to determine who murdered the victim and how, i.e., create a hypothesis. By solving the riddle students can open box one which contains more evidence. After reviewing the new evidence, the students may revise their initial conclusion. This step is repeated with box 2. In the final step, students solve the murder and use the evidence to support their conclusion. This activity is an analogy for the scientific method. The evidence is the data, and the accused murderer and weapon is the hypothesis. The wrap up discussion with the class should emphasize that scientific results evolve as more data becomes available. In addition to mimicking the scientific process, students are introduced to basic geoscience skills such as observations, mineral identification and latitude and longitude.

Geology | High School (9-12), College Lower (13-14) | Designed for In-Person

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Context

Audience

This is the first assignment in our physical geology lab. It has been chosen because it is engaging, requires students to work collaboratively (helping them get to know other students on the first day of class), demonstrates the relevance of geology to society, and introduces several geoscience skills the students will use in future labs.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

No previous knowledge is necessary. The activity is designed this way because this is the first lab the students attend. At our university, some students may attend lab before they have even attended a lecture. The instructor and learning assistants can act as geoscience experts to help answer questions.

How the activity is situated in the course

This activity is completed during the first lab period of the semester.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goal of this activity is to have the students participate in the scientific process in a fun and engaging way. Students are also introduced to geoscience skill they will use later in the semester.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Describe the methods of inquiry that lead scientific knowledge.
Formulate hypotheses and test hypotheses.
Use a map to analyze, organize, and interpret spatial data.

Skills goals for this activity

Students will make observations of mineral and soil samples.
Students will use a key to identify minerals.
Students will use latitude and longitude to find locations.
Students will create and test hypothesis.
Students will work collaboratively to solve a murder.