Turn your classroom into an investigation lab with this engaging, no-prep food safety activity. In this “Kitchen Crime Scene,” students take on the role of food safety investigators to solve a real-world foodborne illness outbreak.

After a picnic leaves several students sick, students must analyze the evidence, evaluate suspects, and determine what went wrong. They will examine symptoms, review food handling practices, and apply their knowledge of foodborne pathogens to identify the most likely culprit.

This resource includes a detailed scenario, suspect lineup, evidence and clue section, structured investigation questions, a final verdict page, and a complete teacher answer key with grading guidance.

Use this activity for whole-class discussions, small group investigations, review sessions, or sub plans. It is flexible, easy to implement, and keeps students actively engaged.

Students will build critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills while making real-world connections to food safety.