There are several high schools in the area that offer a forensics science class. The one at Canyon del Oro High School is unique.
The class at CDO is a yearlong program. Each year the group takes a trip to the Pima County Medical Examiner's office. More than 20 students made the trip and took a tour of the office.
The day begin with a PowerPoint presentation by Gene Hernandez a medical death investigator supervisor. He showed the students pictures of past cases and had them try and determine the cause of death. "They get to realize for the first time what they are seeing on television is not really what actually happens in an actual office such as this," said Hernandez.
The final part of the tour, the students were brought to the receiving area of the OME. This is the first place a deceased body is taken in the office. The students received the chance to view real human bones. They were able to get up and close and go through part of the process of identifying the remains.
In order to get in the class, students must take chemistry, biology and physics. Students learn skills that include decision making, problem solving and critical thinking. The learning part starts in the classroom and spreads out into the field.
The program is funded by donations from non-profits and grants. The teachers of the class did a study on the students who have taken the class and found out that more than 90% of the students go to college.
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