In December 2000, the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) was released comparing U.S. students with those of 41 other nations. At the end of 12th grade, our students ranked among the very lowest in math and science of the 42 countries. Keenly aware of the deficiencies, middle- and high school science teachers are seeking appropriate methods to improve science competence in students. 

With today’s explosion of television programs and media coverage of the latest advancements in the forensic sciences, students have become fascinated with anything relating to the work of the forensic scientist. Wishing to foster a stronger interest in science learning among our nation’s young people, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences now co-sponsors Forensic Science Educational Conferences (FSEC). The goal of the Conferences is to increase science teachers’ knowledge of the forensic sciences and to assist them as they enrich and/or develop challenging, innovative curricula.  

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences has selected two sites to host Forensic Science Educational Conferences (FSEC) in 2010:

Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
June 7-9, 2010

A full schedule of exciting hands-on learning will be provided at the June 7-9, 2010, FSEC to be held at the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, Indiana.  An array of forensic investigative science topics will be presented.  Included will be an overview of basic crime scene procedures, laboratory exercises and instruction on fingerprint recovery, blood spatter analysis, digital imaging techniques, and cyber crime/computer forensics, along with current trends in profiling.  A field exercise will also be included involving the collection and preservation of forensic entomological (insect) evidence and associated taphonomy at the death scene.  In addition, attendees will be instructed on preparing and conducting forensic related laboratory experiments from “Crime Scene Processing and Laboratory Workbook” published in 2009 by CRC Press and written by Patrick Jones and Ralph Williams, two of the workshop instructors.  Attendees will take with them a wealth of information and hands-on training experience for use in their own classrooms and laboratories.


Radford University
Radford, Virginia
July 29-31, 2010

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), Radford University (RU), and the Radford University Forensic Science Institute (RUFSI) will present the 20^th Forensic Science Educational Conference (FSEC) on the campus of Radford University, Virginia, July 29–31, 2010.  This three-day conference will include state-of-the art presentations from AAFS forensic scientists from all AAFS sections, with hands-on workshop activities in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology, Forensic Chemistry and Biology, Digital Forensics, and Crime Scene Reconstruction and Evidence Handling and Processing to be held in RUFSI laboratories.  Donna Boyd (Physical Anthropology section) serves as Conference Director.

For further information, contact:
Nancy Jackson
AAFS Director of Development
njackson@aafs.org
Phone: (719) 636-1100
Fax: (719) 636-1993