Indiana Teachers Investigate Crimes to Improve Science Instruction

Science teachers from across Indiana investigated the “Kiss of Death” and used forensics to develop standards-based integrated science lessons for their students. Thirty science teachers for grades 4 through 9 participated in a Purdue University summer science institute from July 10 to July 21 called SISI (Standards-based Integration Science Instruction). This hands-on institute is designed to improve teachers’ classroom instruction and develop inquiry instruction strategies.

At the workshop, the teachers used forensic knowledge and a variety of experiments to investigate a fictitious crime called “The Kiss of Death.” They participated in a crime scene dig and used DNA analysis and forensic entomology explorations to test the evidence. After conducting the investigations, the teachers will create their own standards-based science units that incorporate inquiry instruction and lessons to take back to the classroom.

Gerald H. Krockover, professor of earth and atmospheric science education and SISI director, said the workshop is a great opportunity for teachers to experience hands-on science instruction from a student’s point of view and develop lessons using that experience.

"Using an integrated approach to science, teachers can engage students in exciting explorations that emphasize many important science concepts,” Krockover said. “The teachers look forward to having extra time to work with colleagues and specialists at Purdue to incorporate this integrated approach in their classrooms."

This is the fifth year of SISI facilitated by a partnership with the Purdue College of Science, the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science K-12 Outreach, College of Education Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Discovery Learning Center, and the Indianapolis Public Schools. SISI is funded by an Improving Teacher Quality grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. One hundred fifty teachers have participated in the SISI program since its inception in 2002.