Education in Forensic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Nusret Hisim, a chemistry educational technology specialist at Vernier Science Education, has revolutionised the way chemistry is taught by incorporating crime scene investigations into his lessons. His innovative teaching methods have inspired the creation of the book Forensic Chemistry Experiments, a collection of 15 experiments designed for high school and college-level chemistry students.

Hisim's unique approach to teaching chemistry makes the subject interesting and enticing for students. By using crime scene scenarios, he manages to teach chemistry while also building critical thinking skills. One such example is the investigation of an exploded bottle rocket, which is used to teach students about Avogadro's Law.

Kemily Patillo, a science teacher at Newton College & Career Academy, has also adopted similar techniques. In her lesson "The Case of the Curious Pill," a murder mystery that takes about three weeks to complete, she uses a scenario of a young lady complaining about a headache and her mom giving her an aspirin. The lesson is not included in Forensic Chemistry Experiments, but it shares the same spirit of using real-world scenarios to make chemistry engaging and meaningful for students.

Forensic Chemistry Experiments is not just a book of lab experiments. It also provides educators with the flexibility to customise the labs, allowing them to add their own twists to the investigations. The book features a variety of experiments such as Unusually Cool Beverage, Cold Case for Carbon Dioxide, Secret Message, Mystery Powder, and Arson Analysis.

In addition to teaching chemistry, Hisim's methods help students develop a range of skills beyond the subject. During "The Case of the Curious Pill," students learn how to argue their case with neighbours, how to present an argument properly, and how to change their minds as they get new data.

The concept of using crime scene investigations to inspire chemistry lessons isn't limited to the ideas in Forensic Chemistry Experiments. Hisim, along with other educators at Vernier, created TV crime-style investigations based on various chemistry concepts for the book. This approach not only makes chemistry more interesting but also helps students retain the information better.

By transforming chemistry classes into crime scene investigations, Hisim has managed to make the subject more engaging and meaningful for students. His innovative teaching methods are a testament to the power of creativity in education and serve as an inspiration for teachers around the world.