Solving a Crime in the Geology Lab

Abstract

This work shows an innovative and manipulative activity to learn about rocks and minerals using gamification and problem-based learning. This proposal was designed to be carried out with primary school prospective teachers during their training studies but can also be applied in either primary or secondary education levels. Students role-play aspirants who intend to enroll in a fictitious scientific police school. The admission test to that school consists of a practical case, where light has to be thrown on a death case. They need to determine if it could be a self-poisoning or murder case, deciphering some hints and using their basic geology knowledge and skills to show that they deserve a place in that school. This activity takes advantage of the popular TV dramas based on forensics to engage and motivate the students to work in the lab with minerals and rocks that the students could otherwise not have well received.