Published May 30, 2026
BY GRIFFIN STEELY
Forensic Science is set to become the newest addition to the science courses offered at Carmel High School, teaching students how to effectively analyze crime scenes using chemistry, biology and physics.
“Forensic Science applies different sciences into solving crime scenes,” says CHS science teacher Don Freitas, who will be instructing the class.
The new course has been announced as a fun science-based class for students interested in crime scene investigation, analyzing everything from hair samples to drug overdoses and even ballistics.
“I grew up watching shows like ‘NCIS’ and ‘CSI,’” says sophomore Olivia King. “I really wanted to take the class because of that.”
During the course, students will learn to solve real-world mysteries. However, the class will not count as science credit, unlike the CORE sciences, because Forensic Science is an elective, not an official science course.
Students who take Forensic Science next year will work on labs and projects throughout the class. Courtesy of BEAVER COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
Amid the plethora of science classes offered at CHS, Forensic Science is set to create a more entertaining environment for students to learn science and skills that can potentially be used if they decide to go into crime investigation.
“The science department chair said that the school was looking for fun, engaging and accessible science classes,” says Freitas. “I have taught this class in the past and thought this class would fit the bill because it’s an engaging way to learn about science, and I thought students might be interested.”
According to Freitas, although the course will only have one period next year, it will be a full one.
“I’ve taught forensics before at a previous school,” says Freitas. “It started small, but then it became a very successful class.”
Freitas plans to lead the class with plenty of hands-on labs and experiments, creating a lively and engaging environment for the sleuths.
For example, students will participate in a blood spatter lab, where, by analyzing the droplets’ shapes and sizes, an aspiring detective can find the blood’s point of origin.
It’s elementary, my dear Watson!
