What age groups is Crime Lab designed for?

Crime Lab is tailored for middle and high school students but can accommodate anyone interested in forensic science.

How long does the Crime Lab session last?

The session runs around one hour, making it a concise but immersive experience.

Is prior scientific knowledge required to participate?

No prior knowledge is needed; the program guides participants through all necessary techniques.

Can adults participate or is it only for students?

While designed for youth, adults interested in forensic science are welcome to join sessions where space allows.

Where is the Crime Lab experience held?

At 2201 North Gemini Drive Suite 136 in Flagstaff, Arizona, within the Meteor Crater Education Alliance facility.

Are there group size limits for booking Crime Lab?

Yes, each session accommodates up to 30 participants to ensure quality interaction.

Forensic Science Lab Experience by Meteor Crater Education Alliance

Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Meteor Crater Education Alliance offers an immersive, hands-on experience called Crime Lab that brings forensic science into focused relief for middle and high school students. Set in a city framed by ponderosa pine forests and volcanic rock formations, Flagstaff provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure and scientific exploration. While this isn’t a traditional field trip into the wilderness, Crime Lab’s indoor setting invites participants to engage deeply with science through real lab techniques, complementing the region’s rich landscape of natural wonders.

Crime Lab stands out by offering an authentic investigative challenge where students analyze fingerprints, examine fibers, and decode chemical clues. The program hones critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a one-hour session suitable for groups of up to 30. Participants are essentially detectives piecing together evidence using biology and chemistry fundamentals, an activity that is both educational and captivating. This direct approach to forensic science reinforces how empirical methods work in tandem with curiosity to uncover truth, encouraging young minds to consider science as both a tool and a thrilling puzzle.

Flagstaff’s broader educational landscape includes nearby landmarks like the famous Meteor Crater—arguably the largest and best-preserved meteor impact site on Earth—which ties perfectly into the scientific rigor explored in Crime Lab. The city balances its outdoor recreation appeal with institutions devoted to scientific literacy, making the Meteor Crater Education Alliance an integral part of the region’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of explorers and innovators.

Whether you're a local or visiting Northern Arizona’s high desert terrain, Crime Lab offers a distinct complement to outdoor activities: a cerebral adventure grounded in real-world science. It’s a compelling stop for anyone intrigued by forensic techniques and the practical applications of science in everyday mysteries.

About Meteor Crater Education Alliance

Meteor Crater Education Alliance is a Flagstaff, Arizona–based provider of hands-on STEM and space science programs for schools, community groups, and birthday celebrations. The organization offers mobile and on-site experiences that bring chemistry, physics, materials science, astronomy, and engineering to learners of all ages.

Program offerings include interactive birthday parties such as It's Slime Time!, Bubble Palooza!, Blast Off Birthday!, and Dino-Mite Birthday Bash! Educational labs and assemblies span Slimy Chemistry, Ready, Set, Launch!, Strange Matter, Launch Lab: Chemistry in Motion, Crime Lab, Kinetic Art, and The Spectacular Science Show. Mission: Planetfall and Rockstars of the Solar System connect students to space science, while the Starry Stories Planetarium Show delivers an inflatable-dome astronomy experience blending constellations and cultural storytelling.

Activities emphasize hands-on experiments, demonstrations, launches, and creative projects that encourage curiosity, observation, and basic STEM thinking. Mission: Planetfall includes emission spectra analysis and planetary lander design; Ready, Set, Launch! explores trajectory, air pressure, and engineering through air-powered rockets. Each experience provides tangible takeaways, from wiggly slime creations at birthday parties to tested rocket designs at launch labs.

Meteor Crater Education Alliance serves schools, families, and community programs in and around Flagstaff with portable formats and classroom-ready sessions. Program descriptions and trip summaries clarify what participants can expect, helping educators and parents choose the right experience. By offering a variety of themed labs, shows, and mobile planetarium events, the organization makes science accessible, memorable, and fun. Groups can book programs for assemblies, field trips, and private celebrations year-round with flexible schedules.