Denver Students Learned Forensic Science Skills

Middle schoolers participated in a hands-on workshop led by local law enforcement and forensic experts.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration showing gloved hands using a magnifying glass to inspect a small bead, depicting a forensic science workshop. — Students from Denver middle schools explored potential careers in forensic science through a hands-on workshop hosted by local law enforcement experts. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Denver forensic scientists and police officers taught a group of 26 middle school students how to process a crime scene. The workshop engaged students from Kunnsmiller and Whittier Middle Schools with a fictitious investigation involving a $50,000 diamond theft.

Why it matters

The program aims to provide young students with hands-on academic experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. It connects local youth with professional experts while highlighting technical career paths in science and law enforcement.

A total of 26 middle school students participated in the program, which featured four specialized stations. The scenario revolved around a mock heist involving $50,000 worth of diamonds.

The players

Denver Police Museum

This institution preserves and shares the history of local law enforcement while providing educational outreach for the Denver community.

Kunnsmiller Middle School

This is a public school located in Denver that serves local middle-grade students.

Whittier Middle School

This is a public school located in Denver that participates in local community education programs.

The details

The Denver Police Museum set up four distinct stations where students learned to analyze physical evidence including fibers, fingerprints, ink pens, and simulated blood samples. Participants performed lab tasks throughout the session to successfully identify a fictitious suspect in the staged scenario.

Wednesday, September 23, 2026: Students participated in the forensic science workshop.
September 26, 2026: National Forensic Science Week concludes.

Culture Shift

This program aligns with the broader societal trend of promoting STEM education through experiential learning rather than traditional textbook methods. By bridging the gap between youth and public institutions like the Denver Police Museum, the initiative seeks to demystify complex forensic sciences.

This program provides local middle school students with direct access to specialized scientific tools and professionals. Residents may see similar enrichment opportunities offered by city museums as part of ongoing efforts to support student engagement in STEM fields.

The takeaway

Hands-on workshops bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application for young students. Exposing middle schoolers to specialized fields like forensics can help inspire interest in future STEM careers.