CSI in the classroom: Teaching science in a non-majors first-year seminar using forensics and chemistry

CHED 143

Jared J. Heymann, heymann@chem.duke.edu, Louise K. Charkoudian, lkc9@duke.edu, Marc J. Adler, marc.adler@duke.edu, Kathryn L. Haas, kathryn.haas@duke.edu, Kassy A. Mies, and James F. Bonk. Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Box 90346, Durham, NC 27708-0346
A group of five graduate students and a faculty mentor at Duke University have utilized the popularity of forensic television shows to develop a forensic science seminar directed towards first year non-chemistry majors. Throughout the two-year process, the student instructors have created, revised and instructed this course. In addition to the professional development of the instructors, a variety of pedagogical techniques including lectures, in-class demonstrations, laboratories, student presentations, and mock crime scenes were used to provide a course with a substantial basis in chemistry. Here, we share our experiences in developing an effective course structure with the goals of providing hard sciences through forensics, while enhancing the students' development of other essential skills, including critical thinking and public speaking.