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Professor Receives Grant for “Forensics In The Classroom”

(Worcester, MA – March 15, 2007) Teens appear to be taking more interest in science due to popular forensic crime shows like CSI and Law & Order. Worcester Public School (WPS) middle and high school science educators hope to capitalize on this trend through a “Forensics In The Classroom” workshop created by Worcester State College (WSC) Associate Professor of Biology Maura Pavao.

Pavao received $180,000 through a No Child Left Behind - Improving Teacher Quality state grant from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to offer the WPS teachers this professional development forensics themed workshop.

The workshop, which begins in August 2007, will immerse science educators in lectures, lab experiments and testing and solving mock crime scenes using the scientific method and different lab techniques in the areas of biotech, chemistry and physics over a period of four days.

WPS science educators will gain a stronger understanding of current technologies and techniques in the growing field of forensics thus allowing them to bring engaging and hands-on laboratory exercises back into the classroom as a motivational tool to attract students who may not otherwise be interested in the subject.

The grant will allow Pavao to offer the workshop in 2008 with a focus on Forensic Ecology and in 2009 with a focus on Forensic Anthropology.

Pavao will serve as project director and Joseph Buckley, WPS Science and Technology Curriculum Liasion, will work as the project manager. WSC faculty from various departments will also serve as workshop staff.

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