Encrypted Mysteries: A Digital CSI Adventure - Computer Science

New class

Ages 14-18

Live Group Class

During this course students will study cases that were solved using digital evidence (computers, cell phones...). Each session will include a hands-on lab based on the case study. For example: Mapping a suspect's locations.

Amanda Mahan BS Criminal Justice Digital Forensics

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(2 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week

3-18 learners per class

45 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

45 mins in-class hours per week

Projects

1 hour per week. Each case solved that we will discuss comes with it's own small research project which we will do together as a class. I will also provide supplemental material and end the class with a challenge.

Certificate of Completion

There will also be a winner of the weekly challenges where a certificate will be given at the end of each class.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12

Beginner - Intermediate Level

Description:
This course is an exciting introduction to the world of digital forensics, where technology meets detective work! You’ll learn how experts investigate cybercrimes by looking at real-world case studies and discovering how digital evidence can solve mysteries.

Each case study will show how clues like emails, texts, computer files, and even social media posts are used to uncover the truth. You’ll learn how to find hidden data, understand how hackers operate, and see how digital detectives trace crimes back to the people responsible.

What You’ll Do:
Explore famous digital crime cases like identity theft, hacking, and online fraud.
Learn how investigators recover deleted files and trace internet activity.
Understand the tools and techniques used to analyze smartphones, computers, and other devices.
Practice solving simulated cases by finding and analyzing digital evidence.

Skills You’ll Gain:
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Understanding of cybersecurity basics
Experience with digital forensic tools and methods
Insights into how technology impacts law and crime
This course is perfect for students who love technology, puzzles, and solving mysteries! Whether you dream of becoming a cybercrime investigator or just want to learn how the digital world works, this course is for you.

Learning Goals

Understanding cyber security basics.

Experience with digital forensic tools and methods.

Other Details

Parental Guidance

We are discussing crimes during this course. Specifically things involving the following crime types: Car accidents and death due to them Texting and driving Incarceration Cyber hacking and ransomware attacks Suspects being charged with murder and how the crime was solved Bullying and stalking Robbery There may be other crimes discussed due to the nature of the course. In general, students will be curious about other crimes and this may get brought up during class although it is not in our curriculum. If another crime not listed above will be discussed, a notice will go out to parents for the description. I keep the class within the bounds of what is acceptable for high school students and will not be discussing any child related crimes (except for bullying) and if this topic comes up during class, students will be redirected.

Pre-Requisites

A basic understanding of how to operate a computer and safely navigate the web. For example: How to create a folder, open notepad, use the snipping or screenshot function, use tools on the internet as instructed.

Supply List

Create a folder on your desktop to store your class material in.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

We will refer to some news articles involving the crime types listed above. Students will also research content on their own for weekly challenges. Online tools we may use: https://www.md5hashgenerator.com/ https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/number/binary-to-ascii.html https://hexed.it https://emn178.github.io/online-tools/md5_checksum.html

Meet the teacher

Amanda Mahan BS Criminal Justice Digital Forensics

Joined March, 2024

5.0

2reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

2 Degrees

Bachelor's Degree in Science from Troy University

Associate's Degree in Science from Enterprise State Community College

My experience on this subject: 

I am currently a digital forensic analyst and a director of training for a private company. 
Previous to this, I worked as a non-sworn digital forensic analyst for a local law enforcement agency and a member of the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force. I graduated with a Bachelors of Criminal Justice with a concentration in Digital Forensics from Troy University and have attended the US Secret Service National Computer Forensics Institute and the National White Collar Crime Center for an array of forensic and investigative subjects. I also worked alongside the local Board of Education to create and present safety topics to students and parents.