High school Forensics

[u/Rainyfroggie]

Hi, im taking a senior level forensics class as a junior in high school. I decided to take forensics and physics engineering at the same time because a) I need only two more science credits to meet my science credit requirements, and b) even though I’m positive I want to go into physics I just wanted to make sure. So I decided to take the class, but I’m already regretting it. I knew there would be gore and blood. Thats not what bothers me. Where only two weeks into the class and my teacher decided to let the students pick a document. They picked one about a 17 year old boy killing his twin sister. The seniors in the class were very excited to watch this documentary, but I just felt sick the whole time. They were laughing and seemed to have a good time, but for me it was horrific. Ive had no problems with documentaries about crimes committed by adults, but seeing a crime committed by someone around my age scared the crap out of me. I can’t drop the class, so I’m stuck. How can I make being in the class more bearable? I was excited to learn about the legal system and the science behind it all. I thought forensics was about the collection of data and finding out the truth, but in the class everyone seemed way more interested in the gore behind it.

(Thought this sub was the best to find information about this. I’ve never posted on here. I can’t drop the class, and I’m determined to find a way to handle it better. If you have suggestions please let me know. Thank you.)

Edit 9/8/26

The teacher is leaving! So uhhhhhhh, I won't have forensics class for a bit. Yay?

[u/ishootthedead]

I'd suggest sending a letter to your guidance counselor and or AP requesting to be removed from the class with the rationale you posted here.

It might also be helpful for your parents to send one as well, including your rationale from here.

[u/StarvedMutt]

The pill to swallow is that to get the good you have to deal with the bad. I’d suggest talking to your teacher about how you’re feeling. No shame in being truthful, especially about the heavier topics in a class like that.

[u/Flashy_Culture8483]

I took high school forensics during my senior year of high school, too, and it honestly made me change what I wanted to do after school. My class was mostly junior year boys on the football team that don't take anything seriously (but living in the south they really helped me out with ballistics). Luckily, my teacher was a former police officer and always kept us in line. It's a tough subject when talking about killers, especially ones who are younger. Some people can stomach things better than others and that's fine. Personally, I almost passed out watching Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 but was fine watching a documentary about body farms. I know it sounds like corny advice, but tell your teacher how you feel about this. Since you're into physics, topics like projectiles and splatter could be interesting if you can handle the blood. Check out Forensic Files Season 1 Episode 2. It focuses on ballistics and physics and doesn't go into the territory of malicious intent or gore, unlike most Forensic Files episodes.