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Solve Crimes With CSI Style Forensics

MAKE Magazine recently opened the Make: Science Room, All Lab, No Lecture badge for science education. a "DIY science classroom, virtual laboratory, and a place to share your projects, hacks, and laboratory tips with other amateur scientists."

The resource currently offers labs in chemistry and forensics, with the promise of branching out into biology, astronomy, Earth sciences, and other disciplines in the future.

The forensics labs are particularly fun. Learn how to collect and analyze crime scene evidence: soil samples, found fibers, and hair specimens.

When solving crimes with forensic evidence, first thing's first: you need a great microscope. The article on choosing the right one is very useful. Check out the different microscopes assessed below.

Microscope labeled with parts and functions.

Figure 1. A typical compound microscope (image courtesy National Optical & Scientific Instruments, Inc.)

Lab microscope with labeled parts and features.

Figure 2. A typical stereo microscope (image courtesy National Optical & Scientific Instruments, Inc.)

Microscope set showcasing four different models.

Figure 3. Monocular, dual-head, binocular, and trinocular head styles (images courtesy National Optical & Scientific Instruments, Inc.)

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.