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Forensic Science Essentials: Exploring CSI Through Case Studies

New class

Ages 15-18

Self-Paced Course

In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of crime scene investigation (CSI) by analyzing infamous case studies. From forensic techniques to solving real-world mysteries, this hands-on approach brings the science to life.

Heidi Ragno

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(1 reviews)

New on Outschool

8 pre-recorded lessons

8 weeks of teacher support

Choose your start date

1 year of access to the content

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Start when you want.

Learn at your own pace

Access course material for a full year.

Get hands-on support from teacher.

About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

8 pre-recorded lessons

8 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Assignments

2-4 hours per week. Each lesson includes student work, which can be completed to complement the learning process through the course. These assignments go along with the lessons learned and can serve as valuable for reflection upon completion of the class and possible continuation into further advanced classes.

Certificate of Completion

The student will complete the course and receive a certificate of completion following the course.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12

Beginner Level

This Introduction to Forensic Science course is the perfect way to introduce the main ideas of forensic science to any high school junior or senior. 

In this asynchronous 8-week course, students will learn the basics of forensic science. This introduction course will cover the history of forensic science, crime scene processing, and death investigations (pathology and role of the Medical Examiner). This class is unique because each lesson includes a famous case study, so the students will be engaged as the mysteries unfold.

The course is structured to be asynchronous, so the students will be guided through a lesson, then they will have assignments to work on for the next class. There is a variety of lecture videos, virtual activities, and hands-on activities they will complete at home. 

I will teach utilizing my many best practices learned in my time teaching high school forensic science, so I am confident your student will love this class and be inspired to continue studying this interesting and interdisciplinary course.

The focus of the course will be to ask the question, "What is justice?" and "How do we know if justice has been served?" which engages the students to think deeply and critically about how our criminal justice system is constantly being revised to reflect the newer understandings and goals of our society.

Learning Goals

The students will be able to define "Forensic Science."  The students will be able to explain major events that demonstrated an early understanding of forensics.

The students will be able to identify types of evidence allowed into the court of law. The students will be able to identify the major laws that determine the admissibility of evidence into the court of law.

Syllabus

Curriculum

Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum

Standards

Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

8 Lessons

over 8 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Introduction to Forensic Science

 The students will learn the true definition of forensic science, when the field of forensic science was developed, and major landmarks in the history of the field of forensic science

42 mins of video lessons

Lesson 2:

Laws & Protocols in Forensic Science

 The students will learn the major laws that govern the field of forensic science and the roles of forensic scientists. The students will learn the path of the criminal justice system, from entry to exit, and the ways the U.S. Constitution ensures the rights of all citizens are protected through this process. The students will learn the case that led to the Miranda warnings and why these rights must be followed for all citizens to ensure justice is properly served.

1 assignment

22 mins of video lessons

Lesson 3:

Crime Scene Investigation

 The students will learn the steps involved in processing a crime scene and common mistakes that can arise in this stressful process. The students will learn the mystery of the JonBenet Ramsey case and how the crime scene was compromised from the beginning. By learning mistakes of the past, we can work to make better progress in future cases.

Lesson 4:

The Trial of the Century

 The students will learn the infamous O.J. Simpson case and how the trial unfolded. The crime scene processing mistakes led to many issues throughout the trial, which we will learn more in depth.

1 assignment

6 mins of video lessons

Other Details

Parental Guidance

This course contains mature content, including discussions of death, death investigations, and case studies involving criminal activity and adult themes. Please note that this course may not be suitable for all audiences.

Pre-Requisites

This class builds upon fundamental science disciplines such as biology and chemistry. This is a great class to take after a prior or concurrent class in U.S. Government or U.S. History, given the interdisciplinary nature of the course.

Supply List

Each week, there will be printable resources, so a printer is highly recommended. All assignments will be given a virtual or printable option, so I recommend printing and completing your work in a three-ring binder for storage and organization. 

All assignments can be completed digitally, if that is preferred.

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Sources

We will refer to the US Constitution, Bill of Rights, and major US cases through history. https://australian.museum/learn/teachers/learning/virtual-autopsy/ “Nutshell Cases of Death: Crime Scene Investigation Project” https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/nutshells

Meet the teacher

Heidi Ragno

Joined November, 2024

5.0

1reviews

New on Outschool

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in Science

2 Degrees

Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Springfield College

Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Springfield College

I have a Bachelors Degree in Biology and a Masters in Education from Springfield College.  I have 13 years of experience teaching at the high school level, including Forensic Science. I have Forensic Science teacher training from Baypath College, as well as the University of New Haven. I have experience teaching in Massachusetts at the high school (grades 9-12) and at the community college level. I am currently an adjunct professor at Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College.