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Making the Case to a Wider Audience
Of course, forensic science isn’t usually about stalking serial killers
or wrapping up crime scenes in a literal bow of “Do Not Cross” police
tape. Keeping a focus on science and civics are just as important for
Hartranft and Waskie, who want students interested in criminology to
understand the real role forensics plays.
“At first, students view forensic science as a method of determining
innocence or guilt, but that’s the decision of a jury based on
forensic evidence,” says Waskie. “Forensic science is the unbiased and
methodological observation, analysis, and presentation of evidence. It’s
the application of the scientific method to the real world.”
Combatting ignorance surrounding forensics and the portrayal of the
science and related evidence led both teachers to launch a new program
this year, the Forensic Science Toxicology Expo.
For this project, teams of students were randomly assigned to learn —
in detail — about deadly chemical substances (including illegal street
drugs, prescription medication, and more). After several weeks studying
the production, chemistry, appearance, criminal history, and effects of
their assigned substances, each team of students presented their findings
to a rotation of every other science class at Archbishop Wood — nearly
800 students.
“Forensic science is the unbiased and methodological observation,
analysis, and presentation of evidence. It’s the application of the
scientific method to the real world.”
making an impression
of a plastic print
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educating our peers
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