Welcome, Detectives!
In this unit, students will discover how science is used to solve crimes through hands-on activities. Students will learn about DNA comparison, shoe prints, chromatography, arson investigation, fingerprinting, and other methods used in crime scene investigation. This unit combines the excitement of solving a mystery with careful experimentation, logical thinking, and real-life connections to forensic science. At the culmination of the unit, students will use their critical thinking skills to find out who committed a "crime" at LMS. To crack the case, students examine evidence left at the scene, interview suspects, and use critical thinking to connect all of the clues and eliminate suspects.
Theme/Focus
Forensic Science is the study of the application of science to law. In criminal cases, forensic science is used to examine physical evidence that can be used to establish connections between suspects, events and circumstances.
The application of the scientific method is central to the course. Observation, collection, and classification of data, examining relationships, forming and testing hypotheses and making conclusions based on evidence.
The diverse characteristics of a crime scene provide that forensic science is a combination of all branches of science.
Goals of the Course
Students will:
Learn how to conduct a variety of experiments used by forensic scientists to analyze evidence collected from crime scene.
Evaluate forensic evidence analysis techniques with appropriate regard to scientific, statistical, ethical and legal issues.
Develop critical analytical skills and apply them in case-study situations relevant to current forensic science.
Learn the techniques used by crime scene investigators to identify and collect evidence at a crime scene.
Work collaboratively with other classmates to analyze and identify unknown sources of evidence.
Use knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to solve a mock crime.
Topics/Time Frames
Introduction to the Science of Forensics
Forensic Pathology
The Crime Scene
Physical Evidence
Trace Evidence: Hairs, and Fibers
Forensic Serology
Blood Stain Patterns & Crime Scene Reconstruction
Forensic Document Analysis
Fingerprints
End of Course Practical Assessment: Mock Crime
Assessments
Both formative and summative assessments to include:
Quizzes
Lab & Class Activities
Lab reports
Critical Thinking Exercises
Performance tasks
Case Analysis
Benchmark Summative Assessments
Semester/Final Exams
Materials
Binder/Notebook
Books:
"Forensics: An Introduction" by Richard Saferstein
"Hidden Evidence" by David Owen
Chromebook
Grading
50% Formative Assessments
50% Summative Assessments
Benchmark assessments
Quizzes & Portfolio Tasks
Independent Practice and Crime Scene Updates
Semester Summative (Crime Scene Team report, reflections)
All grades are posted in Infinite Campus
All assignments with due dates are posted on Google Classroom and
must be turned into classroom.
Classroom Policies
It is very important that you are present, in class, on time, every day.
Attendance is a critical factor for the success of students in this class
You must be prepared each day for class.
Be attentive and open to learning.
Be actively involved in your learning.
Ask questions and be engaged in the class activities.
You are responsible for all work missed during an absence from class.
You must be aware of, and follow, all school rules.
Please show respect in the class at all times.
Resources and Links:
https://www.nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/investigations/pages/welcome.aspx
http://www.csitechblog.com/crime-scene-investigation/
SciOly.org
Soinc.org
https://www.soinc.org/science_crime_busters_b
https://www.soinc.org/science_crime_busters_notes
http://mypage.iu.edu/~lwoz/socrime/Event%20Supervisors/SCBEventSuper.htm
http://mypage.iu.edu/~lwoz/socrime/index.htm
Fingerprints: https://docs.google.com/a/ladueschools.net/presentation/d/1ORx8XNC-kTNS34n2WF7h_ctbWw5Te1uo7asmd9gLlzc/edit?usp=sharing
http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/csi/index.htm
https://quizlet.com/123034026/crime-scene-terminology-flash-cards/
http://www.gmsdk12.org/Downloads/CSI%20Crime%20Scene%20investigation%20Powerpoint.pdf
https://www.grahamhetrick.com/forensic-glossary