Dusting for fingerprints, learning about identification using DNA samples, studying decomposition rates to establish time of death, and learning about toxicology and chemistry are just a few of the areas of investigation being undertaken this fall by students in Andover High School's newest science course, Forensic Science. Fueled in part by the wildly successful CSI television series and regular attention given to forensic evidence in high profile court cases, forensic science has become one of the most popular science electives in high schools across the country. In its first year being offered, five sections of Forensic Science are being taught by AHS teacher Lindsey L'Ecuyer.
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| AHS School Resource Officer Jason Dowd talks to forensic science classes about managing crime scenes. |
Forensic science involves an assortment of techniques and procedures related to other sciences including biology, chemistry, and physics as well are drawing on the fields of law enforcement, psychology, and criminal law. As with authentic forensic investigations, students are required to work collaboratively in teams to collect, process, and analyze the evidence, critically examine the information to make inferences and draw conclusions, and effectively communicate findings in clear, thorough, and convincing manner.
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| Gathering evidence at the Polly Pumpkin crime scene |
This Halloween, students were challenged to put their forensic skills to the test when investigating the mysterious death of Polly Pumpkin found in one of the science prep rooms. Crime scene recording, proper data collection, handwriting analysis, and witness interviews were conducted by forensic teams in order to unravel the mysterious circumstances of her untimely smashing.
The new forensic science course is getting rave reviews from its participants who are enjoying participating in a truly applied science course. One lesson learned early on - it's not quite as easy as they make it on TV!
