These days you can't click through the channels without tripping over some
reference to forensic science. Popular television programs have elevated forensics
to cult status. The shows can be interesting and somewhat informative but they
are entertainment. Regular viewers learn bits and pieces about forensics but
what the shows are doing is sparking an interest in science. The popularity
of television shows that feature forensics is creating an atmosphere where
science educators at all levels can take advantage to teach, not only forensic
science, but basic scientific techniques and concepts. Many students, traditionally
bored by math and science, find forensics a practical application that excites
them. Schools at all levels are incorporating forensics into science curriculums.
High schools across the country feature forensic lab courses that teach practical
applications of hard sciences such as chemistry. Even elementary schools are
taking advantage of this popular phenomenon. In Oregon, for example, a local
school district teamed up with Southern Oregon University to offer an after
school program in forensics.
Children at the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Medford, Oregon were
introduced to the forensic sciences through a makeshift crime scene. They students
gathered in a courtyard between two buildings surrounded by yellow police tape.
The scene included a body draped in black plastic. There were several pieces
of evidence for the forensics students to review to determine the cause of
death of what appeared to be a 25 year old male. The children were asked to
wonder what could have possibly occurred on campus in this small northwest
town. Was it a robbery? Was it murder?
As the forensics team-in-training arrived, they noticed that two work boots
stuck out from under the black plastic. An old baseball hat and a fresh copy
of the local newspaper lay not far away. Other evidence included a bottle of
water and a wallet. The students, acting as members of the crime scene investigation
unit, tried to determine the motivation for the crime and evaluated the evidence.
Science teacher, Anne King, had arranged for the program sponsored by Southern
Oregon University in Ashland. "Kids today think crime scene investigations
are ‘cool.’ That is just fine for me, being a science teacher looking
to get kids hooked on science,” said King.
Nicolaj Imhof, instructor of the program, said, “The students had the
opportunity to study crime scene evaluation, fingerprinting, foot printing,
and some basic toxicology.” During the course of the program, students
fingerprinted each other, dusted for prints on various surfaces, and used vapor
and heat techniques. The instructors also introduced the students to evidence
handling, logging, and storage.
Organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and
the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) are promoting forensics and
science to educate future professionals. The NSTA has partnered with Court
TV to develop free science curriculum for middle and high school students.
The AAFS, at the annual meeting (Dallas 2004), hosted the Student Academy to “bring
to the attention of local area high school and college students throughout
the country, the vital importance of the application of scientific principles
to the administration of justice.” The International Association of Forensic
Toxicologists (TIAFT) has a young scientists program that includes professionals “less
than 41 years of age.” Though the age of the “young scientists” covers
a wide-range, promoting interest and excellence in forensic sciences is an
important, on-going effort on the part of many groups and individuals.
For the young students in Oregon, the sheet of plastic never did come off
the victim in the courtyard, but maybe a little of the mystery of forensic
crime scene investigation did.
