AFTTourDHS29: Dearborn High students in Heather Ferris’s forensic science class examine a mock homicide scene during class Monday while American Federation of Teachers representatives toured the school. One of the state’s largest teacher’s union launched a public relations battle controverting the movie documentary “Waiting for ‘Superman.”

High school students who love a good murder mystery might like one of the new classes being introduced next school year in Fort Mill.

   A “Forensic Science” class is one of three new courses approved Tuesday night by school trustees. The class will put students knee deep in processing crime scenes, fingerprints, hair and fiber analysis and even blood splatter, officials say.

   The other new classes are Child Development 1 and Fundamentals of Computing, according to Dr. Michael Waiksnis, Executive Director of Middle and Secondary Education.

   The Forensic Science class is described as a multidisciplinary course that includes concepts of chemistry, anatomy, genetics, physics, medicine, mathematics, psychology, communications and law, in order to help solve crimes. 

  “This class will involve labs, case studies and projects,” the district said in a class description. “Students enrolled in this course will learn to utilize complex problem solving skills using numerical data, evidence, uncertainty and logical reasoning. This course will cover the topics of search and seizure, processing crime scenes, fingerprints, hair and fiber analysis, impressions, serology and DNA, blood spatter, toxicology, firearms and explosives, osteology and autopsy, and photography.”

   Fundamentals of Computing is designed to introduce students to the field of computer science, focusing on the conceptual ideas of computing and helping students understand the tools and languages that might be used to solve particular problems. Students will learn to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers, and societal and ethical issues.

   Finally, Child Development 1 focuses on the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth and development of children. Students will learn the skills essential to the care and guidance of children. Also, opportunities for service and project-based learning are incorporated throughout the course.

Greg "Ricky Bobby" Rickabaugh has lived in the Fort Mill and York County community since 2006. He has covered the area while a reporter for The Charlotte Observer and a freelance writer for The Fort Mill...