Got a curious kid who loves mysteries, science experiments and figuring out whodunnit? This could be one of the most intriguing activities on the school holiday calendar.
Waverley Library is turning young investigators into forensic detectives these spring school holidays with a hands-on workshop designed especially for children aged 8 to 12 years.
Hosted by Mad About Science, the Forensic Detective Workshop invites kids to grab their notebooks, sharpen their observation skills and discover how science can be used to solve a mystery.
Can Your Junior Detective Crack the Case?
Forget simply hearing about forensic science – in this workshop, kids get to put some genuine forensic techniques to the test.
Young detectives will investigate clues using activities including:
- Fingerprint dusting
- Handwriting analysis
- pH testing
- Other forensic science techniques designed to help identify the culprit
It’s a clever way of combining science with problem-solving and a good old-fashioned mystery.
Kids will need to examine the evidence, think carefully about what the clues are telling them and use their newly discovered forensic skills to pinpoint the culprit.
Science Without Feeling Like School
One of the great things about an activity like this is that there’s plenty of learning happening – but that’s probably not how the kids will see it.
Forensic investigations naturally bring together science, observation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Add the excitement of trying to solve a mystery and suddenly science becomes an adventure.
For kids who are constantly asking why?, love conducting experiments or can’t resist a mystery, this could be a particularly fun way to spend a morning during the holidays.
Forensic Detective Workshop – Details
When: Monday 28 September 2026
Time: 10:30am–11:30am
Where: Waverley Library
Address: 32–48 Denison Street, Bondi Junction
Age: 8–12 years
Bookings: Essential
The workshop forms part of Waverley Council’s School Holiday Program.
ESM Tip: Don’t Forget to Cancel If Plans Change
Places for the workshop are limited and Waverley Library is covering the facilitator costs.
If you book a place and later discover your child can’t attend, make sure you cancel the booking so another budding detective has the opportunity to take part.
School holiday workshops at local libraries can be popular, so if you’ve got a future scientist, detective – or perhaps a little bit of both – in the family, it’s worth getting organised early.
Magnifying glasses at the ready. There’s a mystery waiting to be solved at Waverley Library!
