Forensics club brings home the reality of forensic science

Donned in safety goggles and rubber gloves, the students were focused as they bent over their trays. They were intent on uncovering the identity of the substances that their instructor had submitted to them for analysis. “They’re all white but they’re not all the same,” instructor Antoinette Thwaites said as she circulated among them. “Remember, detail is everything.”

For budding forensic scientists looking to get a real world glimpse into what it takes to make it in the field, students should check out Club Philly: Forensics. The club for teens ages 14-19 meets monthly at Temple University’s center city campus. The club focuses on science-based workshops that are taught by forensic science professionals and designed to develop an awareness of the forensic science application and techniques used by the experts. Students are also taught to develop observation, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills.

The club is run by Antoinette Thwaites who is the Founder of Association of Women in Forensic Science and who also works in the office of forensic science for the Philadelphia police department. During the most recent Club Philly: Forensics meeting Thwaites gave a brief power point presentation about the field (It’s not like what you see on CSI) and demonstrated the procedure for analyzing the unknown substances. After that she passed out safety gear to the students. She explained that even though the substances to be analyzed were non-toxic the gloves and safety goggles were to replicate a true lab experience and teach them good lab practices. She also encouraged students to work together in groups to identify the substances.  “In the lab you have to work with a lot of other scientists,” she said

As students got started Thwaites reminded them that they needed to use elements of the Scientific Method such as constructing a hypothesis, testing a hypothesis, and analyzing data if they were going to be successful at uncovering the identity of the substances.  As students added drops of water and then vinegar to the unknown substances to see how they would react, Thwaites walked around warning against cross-contamination and reminding them to be descriptive in their notes. “Anything you see document,” she told them.

For more information about AWIFS and their upcoming programs and events, check out www.awifs.org/programs-workshop.