Cracking the case: exploring forensic science

Title separator

Vocabulary - collocations

ESL lesson on forensic science

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this ESL lesson on forensic science are to:

  • have an in-depth discussion of a narrow-field topic,
  • practise collocations related to investigations and forensic science.

In this lesson, students have a chance to learn more about forensic science and talk about crime investigation on TV and in real life. They also learn and practise collocations with words like ‘evidence’, ‘samples’ and ‘conduct’. Students work with a video about the principles of forensic science and interesting examples and make predictions about forensic science.

C1 / Advanced60 minStandard LessonUnlimited Plan

WARM-UP & COLLOCATIONS

In this part of this ESL lesson on forensic science, students start with a warm-up task. First, they discuss some questions: they talk about content related to crime investigations and discuss solving different crimes. Then, students look at three stages of a forensic procedure (field, laboratory, medical) and think about what each of them might involve. After that, they read about these stages and discuss the new information. Students work with the texts more and find collocations (e.g. seal off a crime scene, lift fingerprints, preserve samples, conclusive evidence, etc.). This ESL lesson on forensic science also includes a discussion in which students need to use the collocations they find. In the discussion, students touch upon the challenges and limitations of forensic science and compare how this field is portrayed in films vs reality. 

VIDEO & DISCUSSION

In this part of the lesson, students work with the video. First, they watch the first part of the video and complete the main principle that forensic science is based on. After that, they look at a few statements about this field and decide which option best completes each statement. Then, students watch the second part of the video and check their ideas. Finally, students watch the third part of the video and tick the facts that are mentioned. To sum up this ESL lesson on forensic science, students do two speaking activities. First, they complete some statements with their ideas. Students also look at some points (AR/VR, pandemics, climate change, etc.) and decide how they might affect forensic science in the future.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This ESL lesson on forensic science also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students revise the collocations. The task is available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. You can print it and hand it out to your students. It’s also included in the e-lesson plan.

WORKSHEETS

Comments

Title separator

Leave a Reply

  1. TMPB1

    This is an excellent lesson and very interesting. However, the audio is exceptionally poor and made it very difficult for the students to hear and therefore understand.

    1. Justa

      We’re not sure what you mean when saying that ‘the audio is exceptionally poor’. There a few speakers and some background music, however, we’d say the quality of the video and audio is good. Generally, it is a difficult video to understand (in terms of the vocabulary or topic), so that’s why we believe it’s suitable for advanced students.

  2. anna Kaźmierczak

    A great lesson , so educational and interesting . My students loved it.

    1. Justa

      Thrilled to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂

Browse other materials recommended for you

Title separator
phrases to talk about scams
C1 / Advanced
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

How to spot a scammer

General Technology

With this lesson, students talk about scams and online safety! They practise phrases to discuss scams, share their thoughts and watch a video about a scam tactic. Students also talk about prevention efforts and discuss online security habits.

speaking lesson on Thanksgiving
C1 / Advanced | C2 / Proficiency
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

Challenging historical narratives

General

In this speaking lesson on Thanksgiving, students think about the history of the celebration and its modern-day customs. They watch a video featuring Native Americans’ feelings about the holiday and have a broader discussion about challenging dominant historical narratives.

C1 / Advanced
Critical Reading Club 30 min / 45 min
Loading

Gen Z’s penchant for sad music

General Lifestyle

Students read and discuss an article about Gen Z’s preference for sad music and learn vocabulary for describing sad music and listener behaviour. They also talk about changes in music trends, analyse comments, and share opinions on the topic.

talk about uncertain situations
C1 / Advanced | C2 / Proficiency
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

Uncertain times in business

Business General

In this lesson, students talk about attitudes towards difficult situations. They revise useful vocabulary and watch a video about VUCA, a framework to interpret challenging circumstances. Students also talk about how some difficult situations were handled in real life.

vocabulary on challenges and achievements
C1 / Advanced
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

In a league of your own

General

In this lesson, students discuss awards and famous individuals, and learn vocabulary on challenges and achievements. They explore Olympic Games quotes, watch a video about an athlete, and engage in discussions on success.

advanced prepositions
C1 / Advanced
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Advanced prepositions

General

Work on prepositions with this lesson! C1 students practise advanced prepositions in various contexts, discuss personal experiences and explore prepositional phrases. They also study verbs with dependent prepositions and prepositions in binomials.

B2 / Upper Intermediate | C1 / Advanced
Critical Reading Club 30 min / 45 min
Loading

Mockumentaries and other comedy series

General

With this lesson, students discuss mockumentaries like The Office! They also explore other comedy series and learn some descriptive vocabulary. They discuss opinions on famous comedy series and look at proposals for other potential programmes.

C1 / Advanced | C2 / Proficiency
Critical Reading Club 30 min
Loading

Therapy speak

General

Engage students in reading an article about therapy speak! In this lesson, they talk about therapy, discuss the pros and cons of therapy speak and discuss changing perspectives on mental health.

conflict resolution lesson plan
C1 / Advanced
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Agree to disagree? Negotiating conflict

Business General

Explore the world of conflict with this lesson! Students discuss conflict narratives, resolution tactics, and personal conflict styles. They learn collocations, discuss opinion statements, and listen to a podcast.

Show more lessons

Questions

Title separator

Is there a minimum subscription period if I choose a monthly subscription?

No, there's no minimum required number of subscription months. You can cancel any time you want. Basically, you can sign up and then cancel your subscription the next day, which will mean you have access for 1 month and won't be charged again.

What currencies can I pay in for my subscription?

Our default currency is USD (American dollar), but you can also pay in EUR (euro), GBP (British pound sterling) or PLN (Polish zloty). You can change the currency you want to pay in at the Pricing page before selecting a subscription plan.

How can I edit an e-lesson plan?

You can get your own editable copy of an e-lesson plan and make changes to it. To do so, either (1) make a copy of it on your Google Drive (preferable method) or (2) download it in a Powerpoint format (but formatting might be a bit off so we can’t guarantee that it will work well).
Read more FAQ
Title separator

ESL Brains

Forgot password?
or continue with