Forensic Entomology activity

This is a practical activity to demonstrate the basics of forensic entomology to KS3 pupils. I designed this for use in a secondary special school, so the activity is straightforward enough for primary aged pupils, but the content … maybe not so much! You will need white pipe cleaners cut into three different lengths for the maggots and red straws for the pupa cases. I used fat pipe cleaners inside the straws as the pupa containing larvae. Rice or similar is suitable for the eggs. I also scattered a few plastic flies around for effect! You can use puppets/dolls for the “bodies” or photographs of staff/students pretending to be dead - whatever will engage, but not freak out, your students. The life cycle image and some of the wording came from the Year 9 Exploring Science book. This activity ticks some science curriculum boxes but can also be useful for developing fine motor skills, measuring and sorting too. An age appropriate way to target basic skills for older pupils. Hope you find it useful.