Examining the Evidence

Examining the Evidence is a Baby CTY course where students are introduced to forensic science. It's course code is EXAM. This course is offered at:

First Session Only: Brooklandville and San Mateo

Second Session Only: Alexandria

Both Sessions: Bristol, Chestertown, Los Angeles (Loyola Marymount), Los Angeles (Windward), New York and Sandy Spring

Course Description

From the CTY Summer Catalog:

How can an abandoned car, devoid of license plates or other identifying marks, help detectives solve a jewelry heist? How can a single hair keep a man from going to jail for a murder he did not commit? In this course, students discover the answers to these types of questions as they explore the science behind forensic investigation.

After reviewing the basic scientific skills of observation and deduction, students learn how to properly process a crime scene. In lab exercises, students draw upon techniques employed by forensic scientists to analyze fingerprints, hair, fibers, impressions, and documents left at the scene of a crime. Students also explore blood typing and spatter patterns, toxicology, and DNA analysis. Through the study of notorious cases, such as the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and the assassination of John F. Kennedy, students become familiar with the history and advances of forensic science.

Finally, in mock investigations students use the scientific method and their newly acquired analytical techniques to uncover clues, examine evidence, and draw conclusions to help them crack the cases.

Note: In this course, students learn about forensic techniques used to solve crimes. Instructors gear their treatment of the material to the age of the students, but some violent crimes are considered.

Lab Fee: $65

Students must have completed grades: 5 or 6