Forensic Science Summer Course Returning For Students

By Eliza Hallabeck

For the second summer, Laurie Borst and Karen Pierce will offer their Crime Scene Investigators class through Newtown’s Continuing Education summer program.

“We ran one section last year, and kids really enjoyed it,” said Ms Borst. “We got some good reviews from them.”

This year the program will be offered in two sections, the first will run from July 5 to 15, and the second from July 18 to 29. Both sections will have students attending the course from 9 am until 12:30 pm.

Each section will offer students the chance to learn how to document a crime scene, collect evidence, how to analyze DNA, how to prepare a report for a grand jury, and more.

Registration is open to all students, from Newtown and out-of-town, in grades five through eight, and the course will be held at Reed Intermediate School. Ms Borst said interested participants should register for the course as early as possible, because it is limited to 20 students per section.

While Ms Borst said she and fellow instructor Karen Pierce are excited for their return of the Crime Scene Investigators, Newtown, CT, course because for science teachers there is “nothing more fun than playing in the lab,” the course will not be all fun and games. Proper lab procedures will be followed, and students will be supervised by both Ms Pierce and Ms Borst during exercises.

 “It’s going to be very hands-on,” said Ms Borst, regarding the forensic science lessons the course will offer students.

Ms Borst said the course is designed for give students the feeling of participating in detective television shows like CSI, NCIS, or Bones.

Students attending last year’s section finished the course by solving a “murder” and a kidnapping. Ms Borst said the final challenges will be different this year, for any interested returning students. She also said special speakers will be invited to speak to students about crime investigation.

Laurie Borst is the director of Laurie’s Laboratory, LLC, which offers tutoring and enrichment in biology, ecology, basic chemistry, and elementary level general science. She has an associate of arts in environmental science from Naugatuck Valley Community College, a bachelor of arts degree in biology, a bachelor of science degree in education from Western Connecticut State University, and a master of science degree in science education.

Karen Pierce taught science and education for 32 years. She has a bachelor of science degree in education and reading from the University of Delaware, and a master of science degree in natural science and education from the University of Wyoming. Ms Pierce has been nominated for Teacher of the Year in Westport by her peers and she has also been nominated for Creative Teacher of the Year in Westport by the district’s parents.

To register for Crime Scene Investigators , Newtown, CT, call the Continuing Education office at 203-426-1787 or go to www.newtowncontinuinged.org to learn about other summer courses offered for students through Continuing Education.