Forensic Detectives

School:: Emerald Coast Middle School
Subject:: STEM Education
Teacher:: Nancy Anderson
Students Impacted:: 130
Grade:: 7
Date:: October 11, 2017

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

CHELCO - $996.95

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 118

When I wrote this grant my goal was to provide my 7th grade Advanced Science students with an enrichment activity in my classroom during the unit on genetics. When you just say the word "forensics" to 7th graders it automatically sparks interest. I tied the activity to a DNA lab and expanded how DNA is used in forensics from there. In addition, the ELA teachers in my grade collaborated by providing me with relevent reading materials about crime scence investigations and the job of a forensic scientist. The standard I tied the lessons to is SC.N.1.5, "Describe the methods used in the pursuit of a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science." The data I used was the unit test on genetics. My class average was 85%. I truly believe that their level of engagement with these lessons, played a key role in the high scores on their tests. I really appreciate the resources I gained from this grant because I will be able to use them again for my classes in the future. Next year I plan on expanding this unit even further. Thank you, Chelco!

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

Students will learn methods used in investigating and documenting a crime scene. They will apply a variety of forensic science techniques to examine and analyze physical evidence. In addition, they will exercise critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a real-world type of activity. This goal aligns with our school improvement plan that states all students will participate in 8 high-level science labs during the school year.

What will be done with my students

This activity will span over a one week time period. Day 1 of the unit will include background information about forensic science and direct teaching of DNA. Day 2 of the lesson will be from a visit from a former DEA agent who will speak to the students about crime scene investigations. On day 3 and 4 students will be divided into 8 groups in the science lab to complete forensic science investigations. As they move through each module, they will perform a variety of techniques used by police officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, technicians, and forensic scientists. Modules include: documenting a crime scene, ABO/Rh blood typing (simulated blood), fingerprint analysis, and DNA fingerprinting. The lab activity includes two crime scene scenarios and evidence descriptions that will be analyzed in this activity. Extensive background information has been provided for each module. Day 5, the final day of the activity, will involve students playing a "Break Out" game where they use teamwork and apply knowledge gained to open a locked box in the nick of time.

Benefits to my students

This lab will provide students with insight and hands-on experience with many elements of real forensic investigation. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the scientific method to real-world science. This lab is tied to the following 7th grade sunshine state standards in science:
SC.7.L.16.1-Understand and explain that every organism requires a set of instructions that specifies its traits, that is hereditary information (DNA) and contains genes located in the chromosomes of each cell.
SC.7.N.1.1-Define a problem from the seventh grade curriculum, plan and carry out an investigation of various types, identify variables, interpret data, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.
SC.7.N.1.5-Describe the methods used in pursuit scientific explanations as seen in different fields of science such as biology, geology, and physics.

Budget Narrative

The budget will include a Forensic Detective Lab kit & refill kit from Wards that accommodates 30 students and has 8 modules that can be modified. The budget also includes 2 EDU break out game kits that cannot only be used for this unit, but also for other units throughout the year.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Forensic Detective Lab-Wards #366830	$530.65
2	Forensic Detective Refill-Wards #366151	$191.30
3	EDU Break Out Game	$275.00
	Total:	$996.95

Please share this page to help in fulfilling this grant.