Crime Scene in the Classroom: A Creative Approach to Anatomy Learning

Submitted by Laurie Doxtator, Professor, Practical Nursing 

In the Practical Nursing program, learning about the skeletal system recently took an unexpected twist. At the end of the unit, students walked into what looked like a crime scene—bones scattered across the room and fake police tape marking the perimeter. The surprise setup was designed to transform a routine review into an engaging, hands-on learning experience.  

Students were given a scenario: the regular investigator was away on vacation, and while nurses aren’t crime scene investigators, their expert knowledge of anatomy was needed to assist. Working in teams, they examined the bones and answered a series of questions to identify and describe key skeletal structures and their functions. The goal? To demonstrate competency through collaborative case discussion. 
 
This creative approach sparked enthusiasm and deeper learning among students. Practical Nursing student Tiffany Finley shared: 

“Interactive learning activities in the classroom are one of the valuable educational tools an educator can use. It breaks up the day-to-day lecture routine by engaging students and allowing inquisitive minds the opportunity to explore the material with a hands-on experience. By using an interactive approach, it builds stronger connections between the material being learned and the ‘experience’ itself. This connection ultimately elevates the students’ overall educational foundation, and in my experience, success.” 

Practical Nursing student Reza (Mohammadreza) Khorramizadah added: 

“The hands-on learning activities in our Physiology and Anatomy course, such as the brain model building and crime scene investigation, were incredibly engaging. They made complex concepts tangible, enjoyable, and memorable. I believe such creative approaches directly support the evidence-based practice we are being trained for as nurses.” 

This innovative activity not only reinforced anatomical knowledge but also highlighted the value of experiential learning in preparing students for real-world nursing practice.