ST. THOMAS, USVI – Tuesday, May 28thStudents from the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School stepped into the shoes of investigators and forensic scientists and showcased the skills and knowledge they acquired in their forensic science class. Parents, Police Officers, and FBI agents listened as students displayed fingerprint lifting techniques, glass fragment analysis, luminol (blood) testing, and other skills relative to the field.
Students spoke confidently about the course content while sharing their favorite topics and skills.
Students show attendees fingerprint lifting techniques
“I learned how humans develop fingerprints,” began Asante Ambo continuing, “While still in the womb, pressure from the fetus touching its surroundings causes ridges to form which are the faint lines on our fingertips. To lift prints, you can use magnetic powder then you dust with a magnet, or you can use standard dusting methods,” explained Asante.
Students also expressed gratitude to their teacher, Ms. Michealrose Ravalier, for engaging them with interesting and exciting activities that helped them better understand the course content.
Aaliyah Theodore thanks Ms. Ravalier for creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment
“I really love this class because we do hands-on activities that help us learn about the entire investigation process. We now have skills necessary to solve even the toughest of crimes,” shared Aaliyah Theodore energetically.
Ms. Ravalier, who has a concentration in project-based learning, emphasized the value of motivating students through project-based learning activities.
“Students learn in many different ways, but if we use hands-on activities to help them gain a better understanding then they are more engaged and interact with the content on a deeper level,” explained Ms. Ravalier.
St. Thomas – St. John District Insular Superintendent, and former principal of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Stefan Jürgen beamed with pride to see such a diverse set of students pursuing studies in the forensic science discipline.
“Professions in the discipline of math and science are typically dominated by white males. However, this room is filled with young black and brown people who are mostly female,” began Jurgen. “What an accomplishment! Ladies, I want to encourage you to pursue a career in math and science because there is a place in this field for people who look like you,” he said reassuringly.
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