Forensic Scientists Budding

Fall programs at Project Exploration’s STEM Learning Center and schools were a huge success, involving more than 700 students from 13 unique school partnerships! After a semester of exploring a variety of STEM content areas and building foundational STEM skills, it’s time for students to deep dive into specific STEM disciplines. One program that we’re especially excited about this spring is our Forensic Investigators program.

In this program, 30 6th-8th grade students will have the opportunity to learn about forensic science and get immersed in real-life scientific methods that are used in the field! Over the course of 14 weeks, students will research the history of forensic science, distinguish the field from its TV counterpart, and engage in the investigative process. In lessons and hands-on experiences, students will learn what professional investigators do as they trace and analyze evidence like fingerprints, handwriting, and tire tracks.

Ru Munzeiwa, the STEAMbassador who has led reinvigoration of the curriculum for the Forensic Investigators program, says she wants this program to build self-confidence and knowledge for students. “I don’t want it to just be something they hear about or see on TV anymore, but something they can become,” she said. “Even if they don’t become it, they at least know they can.”

In the final weeks of the program, students will have the chance to meet a forensic scientist and learn about her job and career paths in the field. By the end of the program, students will put their new forensics knowledge to work as they craft their own mini crime scenes. If they choose to do so, students can share these at our 2024 Reflection of Knowledge event and have their hard work recognized by their parents, teachers, and community!

Stay tuned for more information about spring programs at PE. If you’re interested in providing hands-on support to programs like Forensic Investigators, please consider how you might volunteer for Project Exploration.