Forensic Science: An Interactive Multimedia Laboratory Program to Enhance Introductory Chemistry (Science) Courses

虽然自然科学的各个领域都发生了重大变化，但课堂和实验室的入门教学多年来并没有发生重大变化。私家侦探为非理工科学生开设了一门名为“化学与犯罪：从夏洛克·福尔摩斯到现代法医学”的基础化学课程，采用了创新的教学方法。实验室中使用的技术受到了全国的关注，许多同事也进行了类似的创新。然而，许多机构没有足够的资源来开发这样的实验室项目，随着时代的变化，他们越来越关注让学生接触到现在被认为是潜在危险的环境。由于PI已经证明了法医学可以用来激发人们对科学的兴趣，而且考虑到年轻人对计算机图形学很感兴趣，因此决定使用计算机动画模拟来广泛、深入地调查在模拟犯罪现场收集的科学证据，并使用模拟科学仪器进行研究。这些动画模块不仅可以加强法医学课程的实验项目，还可以加强专业入门科学课程的项目。PI将指导计算机动画模块的开发，开发故事板，并监督计算机接口和将组件整合到课程中。实际的模块将由工程动画公司创建。使用Vislab软件的EAI是世界上首屈一指的计算机动画公司之一。预计实施这种创新和创造性的方法，作为包括实际实验室经验的整体多媒体计划的一部分，将通过激发兴趣和产生热情来加强科学教育，而不是促进科学枯燥和困难的刻板印象。

While major changes have taken place in all areas of the natural sciences, introductory instruction in both the lecture hall and the laboratory has not changed significantly in many years. The PI instituted innovative teaching techniques in an elementary chemistry course called "Chemistry and Crime: From Sherlock Holmes to Modern Forensic Science" for the non-science major. The techniques used in the laboratory have received national attention and many colleagues have instituted similar innovations. However, many institutions do not have the resources to develop laboratory programs along these lines and, as times have changed, are increasingly concerned with exposing the students to situations now recognized as potentially dangerous. Since the PI has proven that forensics can be used to spark interest in science and since it is given that young people are intrigued by computer graphics, it was decided to use computer animated simulations to allow extensive, intensive investigation of scientific evidence collected at simulated crime scenes and studied using simulated scientific instruments. These animated modules will enhance not only the laboratory program in the forensic science course but also the programs in introductory science courses for majors. The PI will guide the development of the computer animated modules, develop the story board and oversee the computer interfacing and the integration of the components into the curriculum. The actual modules will be created by Engineering Animation, Inc. EAI, using their Vislab software, is one of the premier computer animation companies in the world. It is anticipated that implementing this innovative and creative approach, as part of an overall multimedia program including actual laboratory experience, will enhance science education by stimulating interest and engendering enthusiasm instead of promoting the stereotype that science is boring and hard.