Overview

Students studied investigatory techniques while studying visual arts. Students began their experiences by teasing out key elements of art and connecting these elements to different suspect profiles. As the students studied_­­ a variety of artistic styles, techniques, and media, they used their newly found knowledge to create their own works of art. During a break, one student’s artwork vanished. Following a visit with the Hattiesburg Mobile Crime Lab, students collected evidence from the crime scene and used the clues to identify the culprit. The students worked cooperatively and were successful in recovering the missing artwork. 

 

Guiding Questions

Why is it important to collect detailed and accurate information?

What has influenced the changes in artistic style over time?

What techniques and investigative practices have evolved and changes over time?

How might new discoveries influence the investigative practices of the future?

 

Experiences                   

Profile Viewing and Matching artwork

Students read through suspect profiles to find relevant information that they connected to various samples of artwork. They identified styles and elements noted in the different pieces of art.

 

Making of Individual Artwork

Students used a variety of media to create an individual piece of artwork that utilized various elements of art and styles.

 

Artwork Presentation/Critique

Students were given the opportunity to share their artwork with the group. Facilitators guided group members in the critiquing process, and gave positive feedback to others.

 

Museum Visit

Students visited a museum to learn the process of displaying an exhibit.

 

Hattiesburg Crime Lab Visit

Students learned about the different roles and responsibilities of crime scene investigators and the tools and techniques used to collect evidence.

 

Mock Crime Scene Investigation

Experiences included: documenting the scene by taking photos, gather fingerprints, and collecting other forms of physical evidence; analyzing a variety of similar powders in order to match evidence previously collected; ink diffusion; finger and footprint analysis; and interviews.