Forensic Science: Building the Case
In this 11-week course, students will investigate a mock crime, determine the correct solution and charges, and complete a mock trial.
Thomas Jones
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,193)
What's included
11 live meetings
10 hrs 5 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students will receive evidence or trial information to review and consider before each session, starting with the second session.Assessment
I offer informal assessments of learner progress. If you would like to receive an assessment, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can be sure to note important details as we move along in the class.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner Level
Forensic Science: Building the Case begins with a mock crime and follows the case through the investigation and trial. Students will be able to assume the roles of investigator and lawyer (and even juror in our final determination of the outcome of the case). We will begin with a set of evidence, which the student investigators will analyze before requesting additional information or suggesting other areas of investigation. The expansion of evidence in this mock case will be somewhat more tightly controlled than in my other mock crimes, due to the need to complete the investigation and to maintain a semblance of realism. Once the evidence has all been gathered, we will, as a group, solve the case and determine what charges to bring against the alleged perpetrator. We will also consider the dangers or overcharging or undercharging in our case. Once the charges are set, will we will work on organizing the Prosecution and Defense cases. The final four sessions will be devoted to the mock trial, beginning with "motion" hearings on issues such as hearsay, illegal searches, or problems with witness statements or interrogation.
Learning Goals
Students will gain a greater understanding of the connection between forensic investigations and prosecutions in criminal cases.Students will improve their ability to connect disparate pieces of evidence in a complex case.
Syllabus
11 Lessons
over 11 WeeksLesson 1:
Case Intro
This session includes the initial batch of evidence, along with a discussion of other types of evidence that may be needed. We will cover which requests would be possible and which would not be possible in a real world case. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Evidence 2
This session will introduce evidence based on student requests, as well as evidence that is timed to be more realistic (more likely later in an investigation). 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Case Review
Students will discuss hypotheses, determine which persons of interest should be fully considered suspects and decide an order for interviewing witnesses and suspects. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Interviews 1
This session will be devoted to interviewing witnesses and suspects, followed by a discussion of areas of investigation that open up due to interviewees' statements. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
There will be no scary or graphic content in this class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2017
4.9
1193reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have 11 years experience as an attorney and 20 years experience in forensic science. I have created mock crimes for numerous educational institutions, as well as for professional forensic investigative agencies. I have taught forensic science at all levels, including the college level for 20 years, and I have acted as a constitutional law expert on university panels.Reviews
Live Group Course
$160
for 11 classes1x per week, 11 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
3-17 learners per class
