Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Project Launch: Crime Scene Simulation - Students will participate in a mock crime scene investigation, working in teams to gather evidence and piece together witness statements to solve a homicide case. (45 min)
Introduction to Forensic Science Techniques - Facilitate an introductory workshop on fingerprint analysis and DNA extraction, where students practice these skills and understand their application in crime-solving. (45 min)
Guest Speaker Session - A local homicide detective will share real-world experiences and insights into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced in the field, followed by a Q&A session. (45 min)
Understanding the Legal Process - Begin creating a collaborative timeline of the legal process in a homicide case, from investigation to trial, and discuss how detective work intersects with legal procedures. (45 min)
Reflective Journal Writing - Students will write a journal entry reflecting on their learning experiences from the week, focusing on how investigative techniques and legal processes align. (20 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students will present their findings and progress to peers for feedback, fostering self-directed learning and teamwork skills. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of the 'Crime Scene Simulation Day' with documented findings and evidence analysis.
2. Reflective journal entry on the experience and initial thoughts on detective work and legal intersections.
3. Participation in a forensic science workshop, demonstrating skills in fingerprint analysis and DNA extraction.
4. Attendance and engagement during the guest speaker session with a local homicide detective or legal expert.
5. Creation of a timeline draft that outlines the legal process in a homicide case, from investigation to trial.
6. Submission of peer feedback on initial investigative techniques and team collaboration.
Preparation 1. Arrange the room to simulate a crime scene with props such as fake evidence, witness statements, and police tape.
2. Prepare fingerprint analysis kits and materials for DNA extraction activities.
3. Gather resources on forensic science techniques, including instructional videos and reading materials.
4. Coordinate with a local homicide detective or legal expert for a guest speaker session.
5. Compile a list of roles for students to assume during the 'Crime Scene Simulation Day,' including detectives, forensic analysts, and witnesses.
6. Set up a digital platform for students to document and share their investigative findings.
7. Prepare guidelines for reflective journals and peer feedback sessions.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Forensic Science Workshop: Advanced Techniques - Students will explore more advanced forensic techniques, including blood spatter analysis and trace evidence collection, applying these skills to the mock crime scene. (45 min)
Legal Process Deep Dive: Investigation to Trial - Students will expand on their collaborative timeline, focusing on the legal procedures involved in a homicide case, including arraignment and discovery. (25 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students present their progress on the timeline and receive feedback from peers to refine their understanding of legal concepts. (20 min)
Community Partner Collaboration: Detective Interviews - Students will conduct interviews with local homicide detectives and legal experts to gather real-world insights into the intersection of detective work and the justice system. (45 min)
Documentary Planning: Storyboarding Session - Students will begin planning their documentaries by creating storyboards that outline the structure and key elements of their investigative journey. (45 min)
Reflective Journal Entry - Students will reflect on their learning experiences this week, focusing on how community engagement and advanced forensic techniques informed their understanding of homicide investigation. (25 min)
Documentary Footage Collection - Students will begin recording interviews and evidence analysis for their documentaries, practicing effective communication and presentation skills. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of workshop on forensic science techniques, with practical application documented.
2. Reflective journal entries on courthouse field trip observations, focusing on trial impact.
3. Peer feedback session outcomes, including reflections on academic progress and teamwork.
4. Draft of multimedia presentation timeline outlining a homicide case from investigation to trial.
5. Initial recordings and interviews with community partners for documentary content.
Preparation 1. Organize guest speaker session with a local homicide detective or legal expert.
2. Prepare materials for forensic science workshop, including fingerprint kits and DNA extraction materials.
3. Coordinate field trip with the local courthouse to observe a homicide-related trial.
4. Develop templates for reflective journal entries and peer feedback forms.
5. Set up multimedia equipment for recording interviews and presentations.
6. Collaborate with community partners to schedule interviews for student documentaries.
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
Analyzing Evidence - Students will continue to work on their mock homicide cases by analyzing collected evidence using forensic science techniques learned earlier. They will apply fingerprint analysis and DNA extraction to draw conclusions. (45 min)
Legal Concepts Deep Dive - Facilitate a session to explore key legal concepts related to homicide investigations, including probable cause, chain of custody, and legal rights. Students will discuss these concepts and how they impact investigations. (45 min)
Field Trip to Courthouse - Students will visit a local courthouse to observe a trial related to a homicide case, gaining firsthand insights into the legal procedures and the intersection of detective work and the justice system. (45 min)
Reflective Journal Entry - Following the courthouse visit, students will write journal entries reflecting on their observations and how the experience informs their understanding of the justice system's impact on crime-solving. (20 min)
Peer Feedback on Investigation Techniques - Students will present their case studies and investigative techniques to peers for feedback, promoting critical reflection and teamwork skills. (25 min)
Collaborative Timeline Creation - Students will work in groups to create a detailed timeline of a homicide case from investigation to trial, incorporating legal concepts and procedures discussed throughout the project. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Reflective journal entries focusing on observations from the courthouse field trip.
2. Notes and insights from the guest speaker session, highlighting key learnings and questions.
3. Completion of a forensic science workshop activity, with a report documenting findings and techniques used.
4. A draft of the multimedia presentation or documentary that outlines the investigation process, including key legal concepts and detective work.
5. Peer feedback forms on the progress of multimedia projects, focusing on areas for improvement and strengths.
6. Updated reflective journals documenting progress, challenges, and feedback received throughout the week.
Preparation 1. Organize and confirm logistics for a field trip to a local courthouse to observe a trial.
2. Coordinate with a guest speaker, such as a local homicide detective or legal expert, to schedule a session with the class.
3. Prepare materials for a forensic science workshop, including fingerprint kits and DNA extraction materials.
4. Ensure students have access to video editing software and multimedia tools for creating their presentations and documentaries.
5. Gather resources and reading materials about forensic science techniques and legal processes in homicide cases.
6. Set up a system for peer feedback and reflection journals to track student progress and insights.
Week 4
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Activities
Documentary Editing Workshop - Students will refine their documentary footage, focusing on editing techniques that effectively communicate their investigative journey and insights gained. (25 min)
Peer Review Session - Students will present their preliminary documentaries to peers for feedback, emphasizing clarity and impact of their narrative. (20 min)
Finalizing Multimedia Presentations - Students will complete their multimedia presentations, ensuring all key legal concepts and detective work are clearly depicted. (30 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Students will prepare their work for the upcoming Homicide Investigation Film Festival, focusing on presentation skills and exhibit arrangements. (15 min)
Exhibition: Homicide Investigation Film Festival - Students will screen their documentaries and multimedia presentations, followed by a discussion panel with community partners and legal experts. (45 min)
Reflection and Self-Assessment - Students will write a reflective journal entry highlighting their academic and socio-emotional development throughout the project. (20 min)
Feedback and Revision Session - Students will receive feedback on their presentations from peers and instructors, and document their learning process in a reflective feedback journal. (25 min)
Final Project Showcase - Students will present their investigative case studies and multimedia presentations to the class, reflecting on personal growth and learning experiences. (30 min)
Celebration and Closing - Conduct a closing ceremony to celebrate students' achievements and provide an opportunity for them to share their insights and reflections with educators and peers. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Finalized multimedia presentations with student-created animations and graphics depicting the timeline of a homicide case.
2. Documentary films showcasing students' investigative journeys and insights into the justice system.
3. Peer feedback forms completed during the feedback session to guide students in revising their work.
4. Reflective journal entries detailing students' growth and understanding of the intersection between detective work and the justice system.
Preparation 1. Finalize the schedule and logistics for the 'Homicide Investigation Film Festival' including venue setup, technology requirements, and guest invitations.
2. Prepare feedback forms for the peer feedback session and the film festival to facilitate structured and constructive criticism.
3. Coordinate with community partners and legal experts to participate in the film festival and discussion panel.
4. Ensure all technical equipment is set up for screening documentaries and multimedia presentations, including projectors and sound systems.
5. Print copies of reflection prompts and guidelines for the final reflective journal entry.