The UK's Nationwide Geology Club for Children

CSI: Geoscience – When Rocks Solve Crimes!

The Geological Society CSI: Geoscience Webinar Series - Feb 2026

The Geological Society CSI: Geoscience Webinar Series – Feb 2026

What if a handful of soil could solve a crime? What if landscapes, minerals and microscopic clues could reveal hidden histories?

This February, our friends at the Geological Society of London are inviting students and teachers to step into the fascinating world of forensic geoscience with their exciting “CSI: Geoscience” webinar series.

Designed especially for Key Stage 3 students (ages 11–14), this programme shows how geoscience connects across subjects in powerful and unexpected ways — linking Science, Geography and History through real-world investigative techniques. It’s perfect for older Rockwatchers who are keen to explore this side of Geoscience!

What is CSI: Geoscience?

Inspired by the famous forensic principle that “every contact leaves a trace,” this series explores how geological evidence — from soils and sediments to landscapes and environmental data — can help uncover hidden clues and support criminal investigations.

Organised in collaboration with the Forensic Geoscience Group of the Geological Society, the programme highlights how investigative geoscientists are making a real difference to society.

Students will:

  • Discover how soil analysis can link suspects to crime scenes

  • Learn how geoscience techniques can re-examine historical events

  • Explore how landscapes and landforms are used in forensic geomorphology

  • Hear from leading experts working at the cutting edge of forensic science

Free Webinars for KS3 Classrooms

These interactive, curriculum-linked webinars are ideal for classroom viewing or enrichment activities:

  • 23 February – Forensic Soil Analysis

  • 24 February – How Forensic Geoscience Can Investigate History and Provide New Evidence

  • 26 February – Forensic Geomorphology

Each session demonstrates how geoscience connects across subjects in exciting and meaningful ways — perfect for sparking curiosity in young scientists, historians and geographers alike.

Free Public Lecture

There’s also a special FREE public lecture featuring Dame Professor Lorna Dawson, who will discuss how soil and environmental evidence can assist the criminal justice system. A fantastic opportunity for older students, educators and geology enthusiasts!

Why We Love This at Rockwatch

At Rockwatch, we’re passionate about showing young people how geology connects to the real world. CSI: Geoscience brilliantly demonstrates that rocks and soils aren’t just about the past — they can help solve modern mysteries too!

If you’re a teacher, educator or home-schooling parent, this is a wonderful way to enrich your curriculum and inspire the next generation of investigative geoscientists.

View the full programme and register here:
https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/science-and-policy/outreach/csi-geoscience/

Let us know if your class takes part — we’d love to hear how your young detectives get on!

Author: Helen Connolly

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