The Crime Lab Project

Abstract

The Crime Lab Project takes an economical, hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to studying the career of forensics in the middle or high school classroom. The project requires a week of class time, uses common household items, can be applied to students with different levels of ability, and is considered durable. In addition, the project covers topics that address national science standards such as career development, the scientific method, lab procedures, teamwork, and scientific literary skills. Students also learn to distinguish between observations and conclusions.

Key Words:

• criminology
• forensics
• lab activities
• scientific method
• secondary science method
• secondary science

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Annamae J. Hein

ANNAMAE J. HEIN has been a secondary science teacher in the Allentown School District of Pennsylvania for the past 19 years. During that time, her accomplishments have included founding an interdisciplinary environmental park at the Louis E. Dieruff High School. Currently, Ms. Hein is in a doctoral program at Widener University for higher education leadership. Her research interests are eclectic and include the physical sciences, philosophy and metaphysics, and historical perspectives in science teaching.