Fingerprinting and the Scientific Method to Engage Students in STEM
Help me give my students the opportunity to investigate forensic science with a class set of latent fingerprinting kits. These materials will increase engagement because there is high interest in this topic.
Our students are a diverse bunch of kids. Although technically from a "suburban" district, our kids are from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Many of our students are severely disadvantaged when it comes to finances and parental support. We seek to close the gap and provide the highest quality education for all students.
As a STEM teacher, I service every type of kid from the most advanced to students with special needs.
I am always looking for ways to strengthen their critical thinking and problem solving skills. I teach a problem-based curriculum and have quite a bit of flexibility in what I teach. I am always looking for ways to ignite my students interest in a project or subject area.
My Project
With these fingerprinting kits, I plan to engage students in a forensics laboratory activity that requires the use of the scientific method. Because this is a high interest topic to students, this activity will hook the students into the topic so they are actively engaged in the learning process.
The fingerprinting kits will enable students to dust and lift prints off of surfaces in order to collect and analyze evidence to solve a fictional crime.
They will have to read and follow instructions to dust and lift the prints. Next they will have to organize and interpret the data to solve the crime. This will require students to collaborate and communicate effectively. In STEM class, I focus on helping students to develop 21st century skills and expose them to various STEM related careers such as being a forensic scientist. I am also planning to have the local police department come into school to do a presentation to talk about the role of fingerprints and other evidence in solving crimes. I regularly invite guest speakers into my classroom to expose students to positive role models in their community.
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