Lab Safety Contract: Safety_Contract.pdf
MSA Honors Forensic Science Syllabus 2025-2026
Mr. Henshaw
Email: henshawl@eht.k12.nj.us
Teacher Website:
Welcome to Forensic Science!
Objectives: Forensic Science is a hands-on honors medical science academy course that is offered as dual credit through Stockton University (Introduction to Forensic Science - CRIM 2610). We will identify how Forensic Science is used in the real world and how it is connected to biology, chemistry, physics, and the other sciences. We will apply these scientific principals and technological practices through inquiry based learning settings. Forensics is a field of science dedicated to the methodical gathering and analysis of evidence to establish facts that can be presented in a legal proceeding. Forensic science is taught in a general format with topics relating to current law enforcement practices. The class is a combination of lecture, group work, discussions, projects, lab investigations, and educational videos.
Materials (bring to class daily):
ᐤ 3 ring binder or notebook to record notes, hold homework, and handouts
ᐤ Scientific calculator (cell phones cannot be used as calculators in class)
ᐤ Pen/Pencil
ᐤ Agenda Book to record upcoming quizzes, tests, and assignments.
Classroom Etiquette:
1. Be on time 4. Be respectful 7. Turn assignments in on time
2. Be prepared 5. Raise your hand 8. No eating or drinking
3. Follow directions 6. Clean up after yourself 9. Make sure all devices are away
Also, keep in mind you will be held to the disciplinary code put forth in the student handbook.
Evaluation: Grades will be determined according to the following break down
Assessments 70% Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Labs
Assignments 30% Homework, Classwork
Assessments: All Tests will be announced in advance and given at the end of most Chapters. You will have 2 - 3 Tests per marking period and each is worth 100 points. Quizzes will be announced and will be given throughout or at the end of a Chapter. You will have 2 - 3 Quizzes per marking period and each will be worth 50 points. You will have at least 1 Project per marking period that will count as a Quiz or Test grade.
Labs: Throughout the marking period we will conduct many labs and investigation activities typically worth 20 to 30 points each and due the next day in class unless otherwise stated. You are expected to complete all parts of the lab or investigation, along with following all laboratory procedures, rules, and safety in order to receive full credit on the lab or investigation. Labs will be counted as assessment grades.
Assignments: Classwork and Homework will be given frequently and will be graded on completion. You are expected to attempt all problems, show work, and turn in on time all assignments in order to receive full credit. Classwork and Homework assignments will be worth 10 to 20 points each. You will also have Labs and Investigations worth 20 to 30 points each. You are expected to complete all parts of the lab or investigation along with following all laboratory procedures, rules, and safety in order to receive full credit on the lab or investigation. Labs will be counted as assessment grades.
Late Work Policy: All work needs to be turned in on time on its due date including Homework, Classwork, Labs, and Projects. You will lose 10% percentage points each day an assignment is late till after 5 days then said assignment will become a permanent zero. Late work includes work turned in any time after the collection period at the beginning of class. Please have it assembled and ready to turn in or be checked when you walk into class. Keep in mind some Homework or Classwork assignments will be gone over in its entirety or in part the day it is due and will not be accepted late. Due dates are always posted on my website and announced in class. Most assignments unless otherwise stated will be due the next day in class. See me if you have any questions on any assignment and their due dates.
Laboratory Rules: see lab safety contract ‑ YOU MUST WEAR GOGGLES IN THE LAB AT ALL TIMES! Points may be deducted for not following this STATE AND FEDERAL LAW! Lab safety will be discussed prior to the first lab session. Your safety contract MUST be on file before working in the lab. Failure to follow lab safety rules and procedures will resort in a zero for that lab. For lab, you will be working in small groups or pairs. Lab groups will share all data collected with their group, however, each student will need to complete the assignment independently. All responses should be written in your own words and in full sentences.
Academic Honesty Policy: Students are responsible for unwavering integrity in the completion and submission of all their academic work. A harsh penalty will be imposed for any student who engages in academic dishonesty. Failure to comply may result in any or all of the following; a grade of “0” for the assignment, expulsion from or exclusion to national honors society, loss of college recommendation letters, and the loss of respect from your peers and advisors. This will go on your permanent record! See the student handbook for more information.
Absences: If you are absent you are responsible for coming to me to find out what assignments were missed. You have the same number of days you were absent to complete the make-up work. If you are absent the day of a test or quiz, be prepared to take it or a make-up version the day you return. For a test/quiz you will have one week to make it up, or the grade will be a zero.
Extra help: Can be arranged after school or during mutually free time. I am located in Room B244 after school and available most weekdays after School till at least 3:15pm for extra help by appointment or drop in. Please let me know in advance to make arrangements if possible.
Website: My teacher website has many useful tools and resources including chapter power point slides, notes, homework assignments, test/quiz dates, simulation tools, instructional videos, and other important course information. Scan the QR Code below with a Smartphone for a calendar link to my teacher website or copy the link on the top of the front page of the syllabus to get to the homepage of my website.
Textbook: Forensic Science Fundamentals & Investigations 2012
Course Outline
Marking Period 1:
Chapter 1: Observation Skills Chapter 1 Observation Skills.ppt
Chapter 2: Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection Chapter 2 CSI and Evidence Collection.ppt
Chapter 3: The Study of Hair Chapter 3 The Study of Hair.ppt
Chapter 4: A study of Fibers and Textiles Chapter 4 The Study of Fibers and Textiles.ppt
Chapter 6: Fingerprints Chapter 6 Fingerprints.ppt
Marking Period 2:
Chapter 7: DNA Fingerprinting Chapter 7 DNA Fingerprinting.ppt
Chapter 8: Blood and Blood Spatter Chapter 8 Blood and Blood Spatter.ppt
Chapter 9: Drug Identification and Toxicology Chapter 9 Toxicology.ppt
Chapter 10: Handwriting Analysis, Forgery and Counterfeiting Chapter 10 Handwriting Analysis.ppt
Marking Period 3:
Chapter 11: Death: Manner, Mechanism, Cause Chapter 11 Death, Manner, Mechanism, Cause.ppt
Chapter 13: Forensic Anthropology Chapter 13 Forensic Anthropology.ppt
Chapter 14: Glass Evidence Chapter 14 Glass Evidence.ppt
Chapter 15: Casts and Impressions Chapter 15 Casts and Impressions.ppt
Marking Period 4:
Chapter 16: Tool Marks Chapter 16 Tool Marks.ppt
Chapter 17: Ballistics Chapter 17 Ballistics.ppt
Chapter 5: Pollen and Spore Examination Chapter 5 Pollen and Spore Examination Notes.ppt
Chapter 12: Soil Examination Chapter 12 Soil Examination.ppt
Arson and Explosives