Shows such as CSI, NCIS, and Law and Order have become quite popular over the past few years. Consequently, the interest in forensic studies has increased substantially in the United States. However, television is not the only thing keeping the newest generations of college students interested in such fields.
Over the past three years, students at Philip Barbour High School have had the opportunity to obtain hands on experience in forensic science by signing up for a Forensics class, taught by Ms. Rebecca Milem. According to Ms. Milem, “Forensics is a good opportunity for students to explore a career that is rapidly growing, as the class is primarily lab-based.”
The class involves subjects including, but not limited to blood spatter analysis, blood type analysis, fingerprinting, ballistics, and crime scene investigation. The students get hands-on with various labs designed to teach them how to handle the many different things they could encounter at a crime scene.
Recently, the class has constructed a blood analysis lab, setting up their own crime scene using “blood” they concocted themselves. The newest labs they have constructed deal with projectile analysis. The students divided into groups of two, where they built their own projectiles and found the velocity of their marshmallow “bullets”.
There are many aspects of forensic science that are studied throughout the semester long, hour and a half class. The goal of the course is to keep students interested in forensic science, while offering basic knowledge to students wishing to pursue an occupation in such a growing field.

By Brianna Stalnaker