Designing an effective inquiry-based forensic science unit for use in urban classrooms
The goal for this project was to design an effective inquiry-based forensic science unit for use in urban classrooms and have it systematically critiqued by urban science teachers using a research-based qualitative evaluation rubric. Research-supported recommendations for teaching inquiry-based science to students in urban classrooms were identified from the literature. A qualitative evaluation rubric was designed to include criteria in the following areas: inquiry, effective laboratory investigations, forensic science, universal design/diverse learners, and urban classrooms. Urban science teachers who evaluated the unit using the rubric found that it successfully promoted inquiry, included effective laboratory activities, incorporated the forensic science recommendations, and is safe, cost effective, topically appropriate, and engaging for urban classrooms. The primary recommendations were that the unit could include additional instructional strategies to support English Language Learners and special education students, and that the time frame needs to be longer for the material.
Kent, Mary Elizabeth, "Designing an effective inquiry-based forensic science unit for use in urban classrooms" (2008). School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 739.