Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

Forensics has gained publicity through TV shows such as Cold Case and the CSI series, which instantly grabs the attention of middle school students. However, forensics is also a field with a wide array of college and career pathways related to sciences and the criminal justice system. Forensics spans from traditional methods of forensic art and physical anthropology to new techniques such as digital forensics in which technicians unearth evidence from computers. This range provides great opportunities for students to engage in data collection and problem solving using a variety of strengths and leadership skills. Students will be challenged to weigh multiple potential answers to a problem in order to solve a case. The topic also includes great opportunities to use academic and technical vocabulary in the context of hands-on problem
solving.