This year’s Forensic Module focuses on forensic anthropology.   A body was found dumped in a shallow grave in the Fairbanks area.   First, we will assume the role of crime scene investigators.   Our task as crime scene investigators will be to scour the area for trace evidence and to collect and secure it for processing in the forensics lab.

Next we will switch roles to become forensic lab scientists.   We will examine the evidence collected and try to determine the identity of the victim and the cause of death.   The, we will send the evidence and our findings to the proper authorities who will determine if there is enough evidence for an arrest.

We will have several guest presenters and take multiple field trips, including to the Alaska State Troopers’ station, the UAF police station, and the UAF anthropology lab.

If you like puzzles, come play in the dirt with us.

Rebecca is currently a teacher at North Pole High School where she teaches Chemistry, Chem Tech, and Earth Science.  She graduated from Lake Superior State University in Michigan in 2004 with a BS in geology.  Rebecca loves to play in the dirt and looks forward to digging for clues to help solve our forensic mystery this summer.

‘Chele Bifelt is a 37 year veteran of Alaska’s public schools. Having taught in several small villages, she has taught “everything except woodshop and PE” and is currently teaching chemistry, chem tech and life science at North Pole High School. 

“I love the problem solving aspects of science, and that is what forensics is all about.   My background is biology, chemistry and art. I can use these skills to look at the different pieces of a forensic puzzle and make the connections to solve the puzzle.   I really like that our module can have a different kind of crime scenario each year, and we can still practice all of the different forensic skills.”