In addition to being a Girl Scout myself for the past eleven years, I have also been a main leader of my younger sister's troop for the past four years. I have seen the need for activities for girls and troops to do while social distancing, so I thought I'd share what I've accumulated through my research for Clued In Detective Academy. Below are the resources for your Junior or Cadette daughter to earn her Investigation badge either on her own or with her troop. Each badge has five steps. When all five are completed, you can order her badge from the Girl Scout shop.
Junior Detective Badge
Step 1: Practice the Power of Observation Watch this video from National Geographic's Brain Games series then answer the three questions below. Once you think you know the answer, watch it again to test your observation skills. Would you be a good eyewitness? Why or why not?
What color jacket was the victim wearing?
What object was stolen?
How many people were involved in stealing the item?
For another optional memory test, watch this fun video.
Step 2: Communicate in Code Try a few of the codes in the introductory workbook I created. Then if you're up for an extra challenge, try this decoding lab.
Step 3: Fingerprint for Fun Learn about the characteristics of fingerprints in this lab then use this worksheet to take your own set of fingerprints and label the patterns in it.
Step 4: Try out Detective Science Find out about DNA by reading this background on cell science then doing this lab.
Once your daughter has completed all five steps, she can get her Junior Detective badge here.
Cadette Special Agent Badge
Step 1: Investigate Investigation Learn about the characteristics of fingerprints in this lab then use this worksheet to take your own set of fingerprints and label the patterns in it. Have other family members, friends, or sister Girl Scouts take their prints using the same worksheet. Do this lab to identify the frequency of the different types of fingerprints.
Step 2: Reveal Reality Watch this video from National Geographic's Brain Games series then answer the three questions below. Once you think you know the answer, watch it again to test your observation skills. Would you be a good eyewitness? Why or why not?
What color jacket was the victim wearing?
What object was stolen?
How many people were involved in stealing the item?
Step 4: Key In To Body Language Watch this video of a former FBI agent explaining body language then read this article to learn how to use your body language to appear confident as a leader.
Step 5: Practice the Art of Deception See this activity on disguises. Get your family members or sister Girl Scouts to do the same and critique each others disguises.
Once your daughter has completed all five steps, she can get her Cadette Special Agent badge here.