Forensic Science Lesson


Lesson - Educational Innovations BlogWe love teaching forensic science.  It’s just plain fun!  Turn your classroom into a crime scene,  encourage your students to play detective, gather evidence, figure out whodunits… They’ll have a great time AND learn valuable science and reasoning skills at the same time.

We found many awesome free forensic science ideas on the web.  It’s impossible to list them all, but Cyberbee’s The Case of the Barefoot Burglar was one of our favorites.  Rice University’s CSI Web Adventures website is full of excellent interactive activities as well.  Check them out!

The eight-page lesson below, from DiscoveryEducation.com, is a well-crafted middle school class activity with optional extensions.  We think your students will enjoy it.

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Forensic Science in the News


Forensic science makes the news on a nearly daily basis, whether it’s a gruesome murder trial, a paternity dispute, or a paleontologist working on a newly-discovered fossil.  The fact is that the world is fascinated by all things forensic… and new techniques are being invented all the time.

We’ve compiled a sampling of interesting articles below on the topic of forensic science.  If you read something in the news that strikes your forensic fancy, share it with us in the “Comments” section below.  Happy reading!

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Forensic Science TV


Forensic Science Videos - Educational Innovations BlogMany TV shows, movies and podcasts highlight forensic science.  However, not all shows depict this fascinating field accurately.  Watching the videos here, your students will learn about the history of DNA testing… CSI career choices… and more.  Get a “clue” about how toxicology and chemistry have changed this field.  Among other things, these videos will probably give you something to consider the next time you’re watching television.

If you find a video clip on this topic, please share with us in the comments section below.

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You Said It! Forensic Science Product Reviews


You Said It! Product Reviews - Educational Innovations NewsletterTeaching forensic science is always fun—especially when you use equipment like fingerprinting pads, blood typing kits, UV flashlights, and of course magnifiers.  (Don’t forget the Crime Scene Tape!)  Many of our customers swear by these materials as a compelling way to “set the stage” for memorable learning.

If you have a favorite Educational Innovations forensic science product, we invite you to send us a comment below.  We’d love to share your review with your fellow teachers and science lovers.

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Fidget Spinners, Physics, and Sir Isaac Newton


by Ted BeyerTed Beyer, Educational Innovations

Fidget spinners are the latest fad to sweep, seemingly, the world. Love them or hate them, they are everywhere—on playgrounds, in backyards, living rooms, and even schools, although many schools have banned them as being distractions.  But wait just a minute here!  For once, let’s see if we can’t use a fad to teach something.  You see, there is actually a fair bit of science lurking in those spinney things.

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