Forensics Field Trip

By Lizzy Petersen

Photo of Forensics activity taken by Lizzy Petersen

The forensic classes at Owasso High School put their learning to the test with their end-of-year project/field trip. Students were brought out to the wooded area behind the high school and 8th-grade center, where they split into groups and examined their assigned area as if it were a true crime scene. The students learned many different investigation tactics throughout the year to help them tackle this assignment.

Forensic teachers Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Cianco set up a ‘crime scene’ so students could use the skills they learned to handle the situation and solve the crime. The students, or leaders who oversaw the group, would watch them as they worked. They allowed the students to talk things out but would chime in to help if necessary. 

Jacelyn McDoulett, a student in Mrs. Cianco’s forensics class, had a great time sharpening her skills, she mentions, “We bettered our forensics skills through this experience and improved ourselves by working in a group.”

Police officers and detectives typically work with others– learning these ‘people skills’ individually is important to go into this field of work. This project is a perfect comparison to real-life fieldwork. Not only are students working with their peers, but the crime scenes are realistic and appropriate. 

McDoulett enjoyed working with her classmates to solve their crime. 

“My favorite part of this lab was to see everyone’s abilities put to use,” she expressed.

Like many other classes, each student understands certain subjects better than others. In forensics, that is no different. Working in groups made their assignment flow much easier than working individually. Since each student in the small groups had a strong suit, they worked together seamlessly to solve their crime. 

Conditions for the field trip could have been better, being that it was right after stormy weather. Although, it made the experience even more realistic. Crimes are never ideal. Solving them will never be easy because of witnesses and unfortunate circumstances. 

The conditions of this assignment were make or break for McDoulett. She stated, “If I were to change anything, it would be how muddy it was.”

Many students in McDoulett’s position did not want to be hands on to complete this assignment but did so anyway to save their grades, and they ended up having a good time. 

The forensics project went well and students had a great time putting their skills to use in a real-world scenario. It is safe to assume that this project will be around for many years to come and continue to sharpen the young minds at Owasso High School.