Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this lesson, students will learn about forensic psychology, with a focus on lie detection (including some of the technology used), and eyewitness testimony and its limitations.
Learning intentions:
- Students will understand what forensic psychology is and its importance
- Students will understand the use of psychology and technology in the detection of lies
- Students will understand what memory is and its influence in eyewitness testimony.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 10 Science
- Scientific understanding, including models and theories, is contestable and is refined over time through a process of review by the scientific community (ACSHE191)
- People use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they accept claims, explanations or predictions, and advances in science can affect people’s lives, including generating new career opportunities (ACSHE194)
Syllabus outcomes: SC5-12ES, SC5-13ES
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding
Relevant parts of Year 10 achievement standards: Students evaluate the validity and reliability of claims made in secondary sources with reference to currently held scientific views, the quality of the methodology and the evidence cited. They construct evidence-based arguments and select appropriate representations and text types to communicate science ideas for specific purposes.
Topic: STEM
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: Real-life CSI – Secondary
Time required: 65 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and assistance with practical work required.
Resources required:
- A device capable of presenting a video and slide deck to the class
- A willing teacher to take part in the activity.
- Real-life CSI slides
Keywords: Forensic science, forensic psychology, lies, lie detection, memory, eyewitness testimony, photofits, police line ups, reliability, STEM, psychology.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
