Murder Under the Microscope (or MUM as it is affectionately known) involves student detective groups investigating potential environmental 'victims', 'villains' and 'crime sites' over a three-week period each year via the latest technology.

The first part of the competition culminates in teams posting an accusation on the web site following the final day's broadcast. The first school to identify the environmental villain is 'crowned' the Murder Under the Microscope Eco-Sleuth.

The second part of the competition entails groups submitting a Catchment Management Plan to address the problems raised by the scenario. Groups are judged in two categories: primary and secondary.

Schools must register to be part of the competition and are provided with a badge ID that serves as a password to participate in the game. Teachers are provided with online resources outlining the rules and details the game.

Murder Under the Microscope will be held in 2008 and it will be produced by the Department of Education and Training Centre for Learning Innovation.

For more information visit www.microscope.edu.au, or contact Catchment Headquarters on email catchment.hq@tafensw.edu.au or telephone 1800 822 977.