Science teacher Mrs. Meier recently introduced a new class at Potosi High School called Forensic Science. The idea for the class came about when there wasn’t enough interest to run AP Chemistry, leaving an open hour in her schedule. Several course ideas were considered, including a Genetics course or keeping AP Chem, but Forensic Science had the most interest.
This year, the class is only running for the second semester because Mrs. Meier was on maternity leave earlier in the year. In the future, it will be a full-year course. Students in the class investigate mock crime scenes, determine causes of death, and look at different scenarios to decide whether charges in a criminal case would be appropriate. They also watch documentaries and learn about topics such as interrogation and body language.
Mrs. Meier uses a school‑purchased curriculum to teach this class, but she still adjusts and personalizes it to meet her students’ needs. On average, she spends about three hours each week modifying and improving the materials to ensure they support her students effectively.
The class counts as a science credit, and Mrs. Meier plans to continue teaching it. Right now, she only has three students enrolled, but she hopes more students will hear about it and sign up next year. She also has ideas for future field trips, such as visiting the Grant County courthouse to learn about the court system, touring the jail and courthouse, sitting in on a court case, and visiting the Platteville crime lab at UW–Platteville.
Lillie Cooley joined the class after changing her schedule. Mrs. Davis mentioned the new course as an option, and she decided to try it. So far, she says the class is fun and interesting. She likes learning about why criminals think the way they do and says they are currently studying interrogation and how to read body language.
Cooley would recommend the class to other students. She thinks it’s a great class and even a good major to consider in the future. She also likes that there are field trips planned and that students get to do hands-on activities like DNA testing.