Forensic Metrics

One of the most important review topics the author teaches in middle school is the use of metric measurement for problem solving and inquiry. For many years, she had students measuring various objects around the room using the tools of metric measurement. She dutifully taught hypothesizing, data collecting, and drawing conclusions. It was hands-on, but not very exciting. This year, the author set up crime scenes for the students to analyze as a practice for measuring and to use their problem-solving skills. In the activity described in this article, students use measuring equipment, collect data, and make inferences based on the evidence collected. Most of the students are fans of the CSI television programs, so this activity generates a lot of student enthusiasm.