Crime Scenes in the ClassroomSM is a six-day workshop program for
educators who want to use crime scene investigation content material to engage their
students in the science curriculum. This hands-on program will help educators
understand the tools, techniques and scientific principles of crime scene
investigations.
Crime Scene in the ClassroomSM goes beyond simply providing information
about criminal investigations. The course material is designed to assist
teachers in meeting the National Science Education Standards for developing
meaningful, high-interest, inquiry based classroom activities involving real-world
problem solving.
During the course of this workshop, participants will draw on the practical
knowledge and abilities of experienced law enforcement officers in order to
become familiar with content area material that will captivate the imagination
and interest of their students. Participants will have the opportunity to
work with various "tools of the trade" and will learn practical exercises
that they can immediately take back to the classroom.
While developed to assist with programs at the high school level, any
teacher using crime scene investigations as a means of educating their students
will benefit from this workshop.
Program Outline
Day 1
Historical Perspectives
Science in the Courts
Role of Physical Evidence in Criminal Investigations
Applying the Scientific Method to Crime Scene Examination
Nature of Physical Evidence
Objectives Behind Evidence Examination
Gathering Information From the Scene
Diagramming & Photography
Day 2
Fingerprint Evidence
Fingerprints and Other Friction Ridge Detail
Biological Development of Friction Ridge Patterns
Mechanical & Chemical Development Techniques
Understanding Fingerprint Patterns
Basic Comparison Techniques
Day 3
Impression Evidence - Footwear, Tire Tracks, Bite Marks and Tool Marks
Day 4
Biological & Trace Evidence - Blood, Hair, Fiber, DNA & Beyond
Using DNA in Criminal Investigations
Chemistry at the Crime Scene
Blood Enhancement - Protein Stains & Catalytic Presumptive Tests
Using Light in Evidence Examination - Reflectance, absorption & fluorescence
Day 5
Trace & Transfer Evidence continued
Introduction to Bloodstain Pattern Examination
Day 6
Sample Applications of Techniques to Investigations
Mini-Crime Scene
Review
This program will run 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day.
