The University of Central Oklahoma Announces Forensic Science Curriculum Training for Secondary Educators

Hosting Program: Forensic Science Institute — University of Central Oklahoma, BS in Forensic Science

• The Forensic Science Institute (FSI) at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) has long been a pioneer in forensic science education, and for the past ten years, its commitment to fostering scientific literacy has extended to secondary educators across the nation. Through its highly acclaimed Forensic Science Curriculum Training, the FSI empowers high school teachers with the knowledge, resources, and pedagogical approaches needed to bring the dynamic world of forensic science to life in their classrooms.

Event:

• July 28–July 31, 2025 | Elevating Forensic Science Education: The Forensic Science Curriculum Training for Secondary Educators at the University of Central Oklahoma's Forensic Science Institute
  • This intensive program stands out for its strong emphasis on applied, inquiry-based learning. It challenges participants to design authentic contexts for applying complex forensic science content knowledge within their own classrooms. Utilizing this hands-on approach ensures that the learning is not just theoretical but directly transferable to engaging and impactful educational experiences for students.
    
    Under the expert guidance of FSI faculty, participants delve into a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip them with everything they need. The training is entirely free to participants, and they receive a full set of materials, including detailed lesson plans, engaging lectures, and guidelines for hands-on activities and laboratory exercises.
    
    The breadth of topics covered is extensive, mirroring the diverse specializations within the forensic science field. Educators gain expertise in critical areas such as:
    • Crime Scene Processing
    • Medicolegal Forensics
    • Firearms Analysis
    • Fingerprint Processing and Analysis
    • Forensic Anthropology
    • Wildlife Forensics
    • Forensic Science and the Law
    • Behavioral Aspects of Crime Scenes
    • Forensic Serology
    • DNA Analysis
    • Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
    • Digital Forensics
    • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  • Beyond the rich content, the FSI's commitment to professional development is evident. Participants who successfully complete the training receive micro-credentials and a certificate of completion, recognizing their dedication and enhanced expertise.
    
    A significant boost to this year's program comes from a generous Google grant. This grant not only provides a valuable $500 travel stipend to teachers traveling more than 50 miles, making the program accessible to a wider geographic range of educators, but also helps to supply essential materials for the teachers' classrooms, further facilitating the implementation of forensic science curricula.
    
    The impact of this initiative is undeniable. Over the past decade, approximately 300 teachers have benefited from this workshop, traveling from states as far as Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Washington, Texas, Illinois, California, Maine, New Jersey, and New York, alongside numerous local Oklahoma educators. To maximize individualized instruction and the hands-on application of skills, the training program limits its annual enrollment to just 30 teachers. This ensures they receive unparalleled access to state-of-the-art laboratories, immersive crime scene simulations, and advanced forensic technology.
    
    The Forensic Science Curriculum Training at UCO's FSI is more than just a professional development opportunity; it effectively bridges the gap between cutting-edge forensic science and secondary education, ultimately inspiring the next generation of forensic scientists, critical thinkers, and informed citizens.

Learn More and Register: URL to Program website where details about the event/award/service can be located (if applicable): UCO: Curriculum Training for Teachers