Precollege students will explore how the latest DNA and genetic testing and technologies can be used by law enforcement and medical examiners to identify the perpetrator of a crime, how dentists can use dental records to identify unknown murder victims, and how bite marks can be used to identify the perpetrator.
Cell biology, projectile physics surrounding blood splatter evidence, and anatomy all come into play in investigating crime scene evidence. Students are provided field notebooks at the beginning of the program, which they can use to record their research and take notes on detective work.
Most days begin with studies of Forensic Files–a dramatic video series on real-life crimes solved with forensic sciences. These videos help the students to become engaged in the topic and often set the mood for the day as well as introduce the day’s focus.
One of the most engaging projects involves observing a rotting piece of meat. Rich Fox leaves a piece of meat in a nearby field overnight. The students then observe at different times over the next few days which insects are attracted to it or even have laid their eggs inside! This experiment replicates a technique used by forensic scientists to identify how long a body has been dead and decaying.
In addition to examining a large variety of physical evidence, students performed a mock autopsy using fetal pig specimens. Students use the same incisions a forensic pathologist or medical examiner uses to conduct an autopsy on a human subject. Upon completion of the autopsy, students place all organs and connective tissue back into the body cavity and suture the Y incision closed using a curved suture needle and thread—much as a forensic pathologist would close a human subject.
Students also created facial reconstructions by hand, using oil based clay and in depth tissue measurements provided by forensic anthropologists. These facial reconstructions are often used to identify missing persons and victims in cold cases.
Other experiments include blood typing, hair follicle analysis, finger and thumb impressions, and estimating a person’s height based on their footprint and stride. These hands-on experiments give students a wide introduction to the many techniques utilized by forensic scientists.
Cost and Session Information
June 23 - July 11, 2025: The Newman School, Boston, MA
Testimonials(10)
"The forensics program was very fun and informative. Richard Fox made the experience very fun."
- Student Comment- July 12, 2019
"My teacher was amazing, he's an amazing teacher who really taught me a lot. I enjoyed the people and my teacher. The class was so cool and made me even more interested in forensics."
- Student Comment- July 12, 2019
"We learned about the processes used in forensic investigations. I found the material really interesting and Fox was a good teacher. He had the perfect balance between hands-on work and notes to keep us learning."
- Student Comment- July 12, 2019
"I really loved the program and the teacher. Mr. Fox was an outstanding teacher and he had lots of engaging activities to do."
- Student Comment- July 13, 2018
"I had so much fun in the forensics course. Dr. Fox did a great job of creating a balance between learning and fun, and he did an excellent job of reading his audience and adapting to our areas of curiosity."
- Student Comment- July 13, 2018
"I love Fox our teacher. I loved forensics and learning more about it. I loved doing the pig autopsy."
- Student Comment- July 13, 2018
'The program was a varied look into the outlets of forensic science and each day it was a new type of forensics, from thumb printing, and blood to glass and autopsies. Covered a lot of ground in three weeks. The teacher really made the course what it is with a very hands-on 'learn by doing' approach. He also had enough experience with the subject matter to make it an entertaining course to be in each day.'
- Student Comment- July 14, 2017
'Forensic Pathology was a fun program. We did many hands-on projects that taught me about forensic science without making it feel like school. I especially liked learning about fingerprints, blood and hair/fiber samples and how they can be used in a case. I also really liked the shattered glass puzzles. Dr. Fox was a great teacher that made these three week really engaging and fun.'
- Student Comment- July 14, 2017
'I liked the hands on experiences like the blood, shoe prints and meat decomposition.'
- Student Comment- July 22, 2016
'I liked the things we went over and the labs we did. They are nice, accommodating and amazing.'
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