Have you ever wondered how the suspect gets convicted or is claimed to be innocent?
With forensic science, evidence is turned into scientific data and with the help of this study, a court case can be solved. In room M227, teacher, Heather Parker offers Forensic Science as a science credit.
Forensic Science is the study of science and how it is used and justified in court. It includes the studies of how glass breaks, blood splatters and how a criminal mind works. The class is taught by Parker and can count as a elective or a science credit. Before, Forensic Science was only available for seniors but this year was the first year to have juniors, sophomores and freshmen participate as well.
“The teacher is passionate about teaching Forensic Science and making sure we understand every aspect,” said senior Sam Westbrook.
There is a lot of hands on learning in Forensic Science in the lab or in the classroom. So far in this semester alone, students have used ballistics or the study of firearms and bullets to make marshmallow guns and have studied different hair follicles under a microscope.
“We studied the assassination of JFK, which was very interesting,” said Westbrook. “We learned about a wide variety of careers involved in forensic science and the role they play and different scenarios.”
Currently in the beginning of April, students are learning about serology or also known as the study of body fluids with interactive CSI labs online. In the fall semester, students learned about fingerprints and had the chance to analyze their own prints and identify what kind of prints they have. Furthermore they studied toxicology and compared different powders and how they reacted to certain chemicals like iodine to identify the mystery substance. They have also gotten live speakers to speak during class time in order to talk about the real life application of forensic science. This semester, a speaker from a ballistics unit spoke to kids about the life of studying bullets and guns.
For many of the students, Parker is the reason they take the class.
“Ms. Parker is my favorite thing because she is a motherly figure that cares about her students.” Kayley Brady-Estes comments. She further elaborated the loves she has for Parker and her dedication to the subject.
Students still have the ability to take the class for next year by going to the counselor’s office and sign up for the class as a science elective.
“It is totally worth it to join forensic science,” said senior Victoria Arevalo. “You get to have fun while learning science.”