Crime Lab Detectives

Crime Lab Detectives, opening May 28 and running through September 12, 2004, is an interactive exhibit where visitors combine key evidence and clues with hands-on observational and laboratory activities to become crime lab detectives! Ron Roth, Director & CEO comments, "Crime Lab Detectives is an up-to-date adventure in forensic science detective work designed for family fun. It provides an opportunity for visitors to gain insight into how the application of practical science has such an important impact on our lives."

Crime Lab Detectives is supported by the Friends of the Reading Museum, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Regular Museum admission is $7 adults and $5 children 4 to 17. Museum hours are Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday 11am to 5pm, Wednesday 11am to 8pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm.

Crime Lab Detectives will engage visitors to become investigators and forensic scientists as they try to solve a mystery. The observational and laboratory activities included in this exhibit are tied to the National Science Education Standards requiring the use of many skills, concepts and themes to reach a solution to this crime. Visitors will explore the nature of science through evaluating the changing nature of the facts and theories; they will engage in cooperative efforts, make real-life applications and experience an interdisciplinary approach to science.
The crime is a break-in and theft. The exhibit consists of the crime scene - a room and an outside garden. Adjacent to the scene are six lab tables where 15 clues are examined including tire marks, footprints, DNA, broken glass, cloth fiber and more! There is also a suspect area and a solution wall. There are 28 clues useful in solving the crime, but there are only two solutions – visitors with less time can still solve the crime, but if visitors are real Sherlock Holmes, they can pursue the more challenging solution. Two different “Detective Notebook” pages will guide visitors through the two solutions. This exhibit can be experienced as a family, a group, or individually.

Related Programming for Crime Lab Detectives:
“Duties & Responsibilities of the PA State Police Forensic Unit” Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 7:00pm. Come and listen to State Trooper Paul Smith talk about finger printing and much more. See casting and exhibits too. Auditorium. Free with admission.

“Red Rose K-9 Search & Rescue Team Presentation” Friday, June 25, 2004 - Two Presentations: Noon AND 2:00pm. This volunteer, non-profit organization assists local authorities and members of their community in locating lost/missing persons. The team's bloodhounds are trained to trail human scent from "scent articles." Demonstrations will start in the Auditorium and proceed outside. "McGruff" from the Crime Prevention Dept. will also be visiting! Free.

“DNA Analysis Workshop with Dr. Stephen Campion, Alvernia College” Sunday, July 11, 2004 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Ages 12 to Adult. This workshop will cover the topic of DNA Analysis. Attendees will discuss what DNA molecules look like, what makes them useful in identification, and will look at the techniques that are used in the analysis of a person’s DNA. Pre-registration required. Call 610-371-5850 ext. 235. Members $5, Non-members $10.

“Middle Creek Search & Rescue Team Presentation (MIDSAR)” Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 11:00am. This team of trained volunteers provides search and rescue operations in South Central PA. Their motto is "So That Others May Live." Presentation will start in the Auditorium and proceed outside. MIDSAR will then present a "mock search." "McGruff" from the Crime Prevention Department will also be visiting! Free.