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WRV biomedical teacher Tracy Morrison instructs students how to properly investigate a crime scene, as well as take notes for evidence.

By Andrew Christman

Students at White River Valley examined two crime scenes as an introduction to a biomedical course, which will last throughout the year.

The course, taught by Tracy Morrison, is part of Project Lead the Way biomedical program and is currently in its third year at WRV.

The crime scene, according to Morrison, acts as an introduction into the medical field to get students interested.

Students begin the course by hearing the narrative of how the victim died. They then view the crime scenes to view the evidence and begin to come up with ideas as to what exactly happened.

We talk about it all year and use things as an off-shoot to incorporate study skills, she said.

The crime scene will still remain in conversation throughout the year as students learn more.

Well do labs where they will investigate things like blood typing, blood spatter and basic forensics, Morrison said. Really what were trying to do is get the kids to think about careers in the medical field and see what theyre interested in.

Careers the students will get a taste of include forensics, EMT and crime scene investigation and there have been guest speakers, including a professor from Ivy Tech who teaches criminal science.

Morrison added the course will focus on the victims medical conditions and will lead into a variety of activities for students to take part in, such as dissecting a heart and growing bacteria to simulate an infection.

The entry-level course will lead to future courses for those interested in continuing with the field, including human body systems and medical intervention.

Over the past three years, Morrison stated student interest has been increasing and attributes the growth in numbers to students building the program up by word of mouth.

We have three sections this year, she said. We started out with nine students the first year, and now I have 41. As Ive built onto the course, Ive noticed interest levels increase.

I think theres been a lot of talk among the students about trying to build each other up. The last two classes have been super fun. Who doesnt want to be a teacher doing that?

Read more:
WRV students take a crack at CSI - Greene County Daily World