Encrypted Mysteries: A Digital CSI Adventure - Computer Science
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.
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekProjects
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
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.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$19
weekly1x per week
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-18 learners per class