How To Teach Forensic Science in High School
Shows like "CSI," "Criminal Minds" and "Law and Order" have created a buzz about careers in forensic science. More high school students are aware of the job possibilities in this field than previously when these careers weren't glorified on television for mass audiences. As a high school teacher you can take advantage of the interest your students show towards forensic science by creating curriculum for a forensic science class in high school or incorporating forensic science concepts into traditional science courses.
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Instructions
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Learn about forensic science. In order to teach forensic science at the high school level, you must know something about it. The National Association of High School Teachers of Forensic Science offer summer workshops and classes that prepare you for teaching the subject. You also have the opportunity through these sessions to network and share ideas with other high school forensic science teachers.
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Purchase a forensic science textbook. There are several different textbooks available for forensic science classes in high school. Some are more traditional while others serve as workbooks or lab manuals.
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Order crime scene supplies. A number of different companies sell supplies that high school teachers can use to create a mock crime scene. These supplies include fake blood, fingerprint lifting equipment, fabric fibers, hairs and more. Some even offer crime scenarios that you can read to the class before allowing them to examine the crime scene.
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Invite forensic experts as guest speakers in your class. You can do different activities to teach forensic science and it can be inspiring to high school students to hear about the job from an expert. Invite crime scene technicians, detectives or the medical examiner to speak to your class or arrange a tour through their lab facility.
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Examine crime scene evidence under a microscope. Hairs and fibers found at a crime scene are used as evidence in many circumstances. You can teach your students how to analyze hair and fibers under a microscope to make a positive match.
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Teach students how to examine tire tracks and footprints. Crime scene investigators are also interested in tire tracks or footprints leading to and from a crime scene. Make footprints on a piece of paper from different shoes. With one shoe or footprint make a second, identical print for the students to use when finding the match. Ask them to compare the shoeprints until they are able to determine which shoe matches the print you chose.
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Perform a mock trial. Partner with a government or law class from your high school and conduct a mock trial. Create a crime scene that students can investigate using the knowledge they've obtained in class. Allow students in the government or law class to serve as the jury and lawyers for the trial while your students can serve as experts to testify.
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Tips & Warnings
A large budget isn't needed to incorporate a forensic science class into a high school curriculum since many of the items to be reviewed and examined such as fabrics, hairs and footprints can come from real life.
