Crime Scene Information Technology (CSIT)
Description
The Crime Scene Information Technology (CSIT) project directed by the New York Hall of Science (NYHOS) seeks to infuse middle school and high school science curriculum with authentic, inquiry based, forensic science investigations that incorporate IT applications and introduce educators and students from underserved communities to IT career opportunities. As a comprehensive project, the project directly serves 60 teachers and 300 students in grades six through twelve, 600 guidance counselors and 200 school personnel including school administrators. An additional 700 students participate in ancillary activities, while 5,780 students are reached in classrooms when their teachers bring CSIT equipment, curriculum and pedagogy back to their schools. CSIT lessons are designed to facilitate the acquisition of IT content and skills within the context of hands-on, inquiry based forensic science investigations across a range of science curriculum topics: earth science, living environment, ecology, chemistry and physics and provide extension activities to promote authentic cross-curricular learning in math, English, and social studies classes. Lessons utilize image processing tools, digital probeware, database analyses and GIS software. Project components include professional development workshops, summer institutes, student innovation camps, field trips, curriculum module development, portable lab development and a CSIT symposium.