Teacher Case Study: Lydia Withrow (2)

8th grade English teacher Lydia Withrow used the Crime Scene Investigator performance task.

A Defined STEM Learning Experience From:
Lydia Withrow 
8th Grade English Teacher
Horace Mann Middle School (WV)

Performance Task: 
Crime Scene Investigation 

Here’s What We Did:
For this task I created a life-size crime scene in our school stairwell. I strategically placed fake blood, outlined a body on a white sheet, and used crime tape to secure the scene. (see photo) On graph paper, students had to draw the scene to scale using measurements and mapping each blood splatter and piece of evidence. Using the Defined STEM task materials each group of students became experts in an area of expertise including bite-mark analysis, lifting fingerprints using a fingerprint kit from the local police department, and collecting DNA samples. Once specialists in the skills they presented their findings to the class so each student was able to learn different aspects of analyzing a crime scene. Students prepared their evidence into a full crime report as if it was going to be analyzed on court.

Why Defined STEM Was the Perfect Fit:
What I love most about the Defined STEM tasks is the natural incorporation of all subjects. As an English teacher I am often trying to fit math, engineering, and science skills into my lessons. This was a perfect example of students using their overall knowledge to complete a task. The resources in the performance task showed students that analyzing crime scenes isn’t like what you see on TV. Each task I use I find it opens their minds to new career paths while having fun!