Crime Scene Investigation

High School Science

C.S.I.Discussion of Presentation By Andrew Fairchild, NYC EducatorBy Sandra Jacques, Jake Lederman and Amy Gilbeaux

Objective: To make the learning of biological principles so interesting that there is effortless active learning of the part of the student

Set Up:

A brutal CRIME was committed-

A teacher was responsibleEvidence was left behindFind the perpetrator using scientific techniques

Mug Shot of Bill Gates

Students gathered EVIDENCE and used modern forensic scienceto analyze their samples

• DNA/ Fingerprinting using PCR• Finger Print analysis• Fiber sample collection

Students were able to reach out via SKYPE to NYCdetectives and experts in the field of forensic science

Dr. Henry Lee

Scaffolding was used to build knowledgeabout forensic science techniques:

Students gained valuable experience fromtheir exposure tomodern scientific toolsand from their interactions with professionals in the field

Knowledge of UnderstandingDNA sequences PCR/DNA

amplification

Students then had to present their evidence to a JURY of their peers who assessed them on the quality of their arguments

Students were able to incorporate written

and oral skills in their presentations .

This project helped kids to not only gain a more complete understanding of required Biological Principles (NYS Core L.E. /Literary Standards), but they were also

able to see science in ACTION

Earth Science

Sexual Reproduction/Biochem

istry

Plant physiology /reproducti

on

Our job as educators is to guide students towards self-directed learning

Jake wants to introduce kidsto a huge range of Earth Science topics

Amy wants to find new and interesting ways to talk aboutplant reproduction

Sandra wants students toappreciate genetic diversitywithin a species.

Comparison of Teaching Styles

TEACHER CENTERED

Focus is on instructor

Instructor talks student listen

Instructors lead discussion

STUDENT CENTERED

Focus is on both student and instructor

Instructor models ad students interacts with instructor and with one another

Students take leadership role, learning becomes their responsibility

Engage

Explore

Explain

Elaborate

Evaluate

Engage: pique curiosity with a captivating theme

Explore : students answer their own questions using the scientific method and hands on lab techniques

Explain: instructors answer questions guided by student interest

Elaborate: students expand knowledge with projects using in-depth lab skills

Evaluate: students evaluate each other, instructor evaluates content knowledge

The Learning CycleFacilitates Understanding

Engage

Explore

Explain

Elaborate

Evaluate

:

Student centered learning

• acknowledges different learning styles• allows kids to grasp technical skills in addition to mastering content • students can see science as it applies

in the real world • gives students the confidence necessary to learn on their own

Let’s put an ENDto instructionthat kills motivation and innovation!

Kids learn best when they work together!

Thanks,Jake and Amy for their valuable input…

Special Thanksto Andrewfor an informativesession!