forensic-classroom

Enhancing STEM Proficiency With Detective Science

A 5 Day Hands-On Training Program for Educators

This program is run through the College of Lake County, Illinois as a continuing education/non-credit program. It is part of the College’s Continuing Professional Development course curriculum for teachers offered through their Workforce and Professional Development Institute.

This program is eligible for 40 CPDU’s for teacher re-certification. (Illinois teachers)

Program Description

Forensic-Classroom  is a five-day workshop program for educators who want to use crime scene investigation content material to engage their students in the science curriculum.  This hands-on program will help educators understand the tools, techniques and scientific principles of crime scene investigations.

Forensic-Classroom goes beyond simply providing information about criminal investigations.  The course material is designed to assist teachers in meeting the National Science Education Standards for developing meaningful, high-interest, inquiry based classroom activities involving real-world problem solving.

During the course of this workshop, participants will draw on the practical knowledge and abilities of experienced law enforcement officers in order to become familiar with content area material that will captivate the imagination and interest of their students.  Participants will have the opportunity to work with various “tools of the trade” , be exposed to real-life crime scene examples and will learn practical exercises that they can immediately take back to the classroom.

While developed to assist with programs at the high school level, any teacher using crime scene investigations as a means of educating their students will benefit from this workshop.

Program Outline

Day 1

Introduction to Crime Scene Exam
Role of Physical Evidence in Criminal Investigations
Nature of Physical Evidence
Objectives Behind Evidence Examination
Applying the Scientific Method to Crime Scene Examination
Gathering Information From the Scene

Day 2

Locard’s Theory of Transfer
Fingerprints and Other Friction Ridge Detail
Biological Development of Friction Ridge Patterns
Mechanical & Chemical Development Techniques
Understanding Fingerprint Patterns

Day 3

Class v. Individual Characteristics
Impression Evidence – Footwear, Tire Tracks, Bite Marks and Tool Marks
Casting and Other Recovery Techniques

Day 4

Biological Evidence
Using Light in Evidence Examination - Reflectance, Absorption and Fluorescence
Blood Enhancement – Protein Stains & Catalytic Presumptive Tests
Introduction to Bloodstain Pattern Examination

Day 5

Practical Application of Forensic Techniques

Required Materials

No specific materials are required for attendance however everyone is encouraged to bring any current classroom text, a camera and examples of projects that they may have already used in a class. Past attendees have found a camera useful for taking photos of props and materials.

Program Schedule & Registration

This program is run during the summer months, usually scheduled for late July - early August. The next scheduled program is in 2022 and will run Mon - Fri (7/18 - 7/22). Hours are 8 am - 4:30pm. The program cost is $699. Registration deadline is July 1, 2022.

All registration for this program is handled through the Workforce and Professional Development Institute (WPDI) at the College of Lake County, Grayslake IL. Please contact them at 847-543-2990 or professionalworkshops@clcillinois.edu to register.