I was asked to come up with an elective for our middle school students, and I was thinking of developing a Forensics unit. The class would last for one trimester. I was wondering if anyone has done this before, and if so, thy had any suggestions or resources that I could use in developing this. Thanks, Jen
There's a great book called Wildlife Forensics that is available from the science store---you may want to check it out.
Agreed - The Wildlife Forensics book is terrific. Combines student interest in wildlife and crime scene investigation. Also a good way to bring in concepts biodiversity conservation and the issue of the illegal wildlife trade.Using Forensics - Wildlife Crime Scene.http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9781933531687 (ebook and/or print book) Dorothy
I am linking the two Forensics threads together so readers will realize there are two threads on a similar topic. The other thread is located in the New Teachers thread http://learningcenter.nsta.org/discuss/default.aspx?tid=J3INrh82h6Y_E#28832 I recently found a couple of new books I am going to add to my Forensic unit. One is called, “Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation”, by Carla Mooney. This book has seven chapters that could be easily used in the intermediate and middle school level classrooms. The link to Amazon is http://www.amazon.com/Forensics-Uncover-Technology-Investigation-Investigate/dp/1619301881/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375313854&sr=8-1&keywords=Forensics%3A++Uncover+the+Science+and+Technology+of+Crime+Scene+Investigation The second is, “Forensic Identification: Putting a Name and Face on Death,” by Elizabeth Murray. It is easily adapted to middle and high school . The photos are exquisite and the content intriguing to students. This book is not very big, 72 pages total, but well written when it comes to content. There are three chapters entitled “Skin Deep”, “Hard Parts,” and “Cells and Molecular Clues.” My middle school students saw the book just as the year ended and were fighting over who got to read it first. The link to Amazon is http://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Identification-Putting-Exceptional-Science/dp/0761366962/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375313928&sr=8-1&keywords=Forensic+Identification%3A+Putting+a+Name+and+Face+on+Death
I recently did a forensics course for teachers and found lots of resources in the Learning Center. I am attaching my Forensic Collection. You will find lots of good resources for middle school. Note: There seems to be a glitch in the Learning Center posting. The collection only has 26 items. You have to click on View Items to open the collection.
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