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Forensic Files
Facilitators: Cindy Adkins, Tiffany Carter, Nina McGhee, & Brandi Robinson
PowerPoint Presentation:
Overview:
Forensic science is an interesting and expanding area of science that is important to everyone’s daily lives. One never knows when crime will come their way. Thus being able to catch the true criminal is vital. Therefore, individuals need to be aware of the basic characteristics that lie within the realms of forensics, including DNA, chromatography, and other analysis techniques.
Law and Order, CSI Miami, or American Detective compare to our “Forensic Files.” Through fingerprinting, hair analysis, and chromatography, participants will discover the truth in various crime scenes. By investigating actual criminal activity and exploring the truth behind traditional fairytales, private eyes will gain a true understanding of the judicial phrase “innocent until proven guilty.”
Guiding Questions
- What impact has forensics had on the investigation of crimes?
- How has forensics evolved over time?
- In what ways can the media change one’s perception of crimes?
- How do television shows compare and contrast to real life criminal situations?
- How does forensics identify the truth in criminal situations?
- Why is the study of forensics important to one’s everyday lives?
Focusing Questions:
Core
- What is forensics?
- Who studies forensics?
- What tools are needed to solve a mystery?
- Why is forensics important to society?
Connections
- How has forensics influenced our lives?
- How has forensics improved our safety?
- In what ways has technology impacted forensic science?
Practice
- What job opportunities are available in the field of forensic science?
- Why should we continue to advance our knowledge and understanding of forensics?
- How will technology change forensics in the future?
Identity
- How important is forensics to you?
- How can forensics change one’s behavior patterns?
- How does forensics affect human beings?
Activities:
Cold Case Movie
Participants will view a clip from the video “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” which pertains to detective work in criminal cases. They will record clues in their Sleuth Notebook. As a group, participants will analyze the clues and determine who committed the crime.
Criminal History presentation
A powerpoint presentation of the History of Forensics will be presented.
Online Crime Lab Session
Participants will choose from a list of websites to attempt to solve the crime.
What Happened to Felix?
Participants will view an actual depiction of a crime scene to determine the guilt or innocence of given suspects. They will use the evidence found at the crime scene and participate in laboratory sessions (stain testing, fingerprinting, DNA testing, and other criminal analysis tests) to conclude who committed the crime.
CSI Simulation
Participants will work together to solve a crime from the computer version of CSI Miami.
Creative Writing
Participants will create an imaginary crime scenario in groups and write a story.
Crime Lab Centers
Participants will practice using various evidence analysis techniques. They will be given background information on fingerprinting, lip prints, chromatography, handwriting analysis, and shoe prints.
Visiting Speaker
A representative from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department will speak to the participants about crime scene investigations.
Crime Scene Van
Representatives from the local Hattiesburg CSI team will address the class about investigation techniques. The lecture will include a physical hands-on tour of an actual crime scene van.
Scavenger Hunt
Participants will follow clues to lead them to a true criminal.
Trash Bag Case
Several items will be placed in a trash bag. Participants will match the items to suspects that the item may be related to. This activity addresses criminal profiling.
Fairy Tales Revealed the Truth
Participants will listen to the oral retelling of situations in various fairytales. Point of view will be addressed. In turn, participants will reconstruct a chosen fairytale from a character in the story and create a court case based on the story. |
