NCIS Worksheet for 14-Year-Old Students: Explore Crime Scene Investigation

Instructions

Welcome, Probationary Agent! The NCIS team needs your help with a few tasks to test your knowledge and observation skills. This dossier contains several sections. Complete each one to the best of your ability. Good luck!

Part 1: The MCRT Roster

Match the NCIS team member to their primary role or defining characteristic. Write the correct letter in the blank space provided.

Part 2: Know the Lingo

Working for a federal agency means you need to know your acronyms. What do these common NCIS terms stand for?

1. NCIS: __________________________________________________
2. MCRT: _________________________________________________
3. SECNAV: _______________________________________________
4. MTAC: _________________________________________________

Part 3: Gibbs' Rulebook

A good agent never forgets the rules. Fill in the blanks to complete some of Gibbs' most famous rules.

1. Rule #1: Never let suspects ________ ________ ________.
2. Rule #3: Never ________ what you are told. Double check.
3. Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a ________.
4. Rule #39: There is no such thing as a ________.

Part 4: Case File Analysis

Think like an investigator. Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences.

1. The NCIS team is made up of specialists with very different skills (field investigation, forensics, medical examination, cyber security). Why is this diversity of skills crucial for solving complex crimes?

2. In the show, Tony DiNozzo often uses movie references and humor, even during serious investigations. In your opinion, is this an effective way to handle a high-stress job? Why or why not?

Part 5: Evidence Locker Word Search

Find the hidden words in the evidence grid below. Words can be found forwards, backwards, up, down, and diagonally.

TOP SECRET: Answer Key

Part 1: The MCRT Roster

1. D. Leroy Jethro Gibbs - The stoic team leader who lives by a set of rules.
2. B. Abby Sciuto - The goth forensic scientist who runs on "Caf-Pow!"
3. A. Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo - The movie-loving Senior Field Agent, known for his humor.
4. E. Timothy McGee - The cybercrimes expert and novelist, often called "Probie."
5. C. Ziva David - The former Mossad officer with deadly skills and a knack for mixing up American idioms.
6. G. Donald "Ducky" Mallard - The Chief Medical Examiner who often talks to his "patients."
7. F. Leon Vance - The Director of NCIS.

Part 2: Know the Lingo

1. NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service
2. MCRT: Major Case Response Team
3. SECNAV: Secretary of the Navy
4. MTAC: Multiple Threat Alert Center

Part 3: Gibbs' Rulebook

1. Rule #1: Never let suspects sit together.
2. Rule #3: Never believe what you are told. Double check.
3. Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife.
4. Rule #39: There is no such thing as a coincidence.

Part 4: Case File Analysis (Suggested Answers)

1. Why is a diversity of skills crucial? Answers should mention that different specialists can look at the same evidence from different perspectives. For example, a medical examiner finds the cause of death, a forensic scientist can link a suspect to the scene with trace evidence, and a cyber expert can uncover digital clues. Combining their findings creates a much stronger case.

2. Is humor an effective coping mechanism? Answers will vary. A "yes" answer might state that humor can relieve tension, build team camaraderie, and help agents stay mentally balanced in a dark job. A "no" answer might argue that it can be distracting, unprofessional, or a way of avoiding the serious emotional toll of the work. Any well-reasoned answer is correct.

Part 5: Evidence Locker Word Search Solution

A solved grid is not provided, but all words from the list are present in the puzzle. The student can check their findings against the list.