How does the forensic analysis of ballistics contribute to the investigation of crimes and the judicial process?
Critical Thinking
Communication
Learner’s Mindset
Responsibility
Collaboration
What encompasses the field of ballistics, and why is it critical in forensic investigations?
How are bullets and firearms characteristics compared to identify matches in criminal cases?
In what ways can the reconstruction of shooting incidents aid in understanding crime scenes, and how is this evidence presented and interpreted in court?
Students will define ballistics and explain its importance in solving crimes, including the types of evidence analyzed.
Students will learn and apply methods for comparing bullets and gun characteristics to identify matches, understanding the science behind these techniques.
Students will engage in a mock shooting reconstruction, demonstrating how to use ballistics evidence to interpret crime scenes and its significance in legal proceedings.
Assessments and Activities:
Introduction to Ballistics: An interactive lecture or video series that covers the basics of ballistics and its role in forensic science.
Bullet and Gun Comparison Lab: A hands-on or virtual lab activity where students compare characteristics of bullets and firearms, using tools and techniques real forensic analysts use.
Shooting Reconstruction Simulation: Students participate in a simulation or role-play activity to reconstruct a shooting incident, then present their findings as if in a court setting.
HS-PS2-1: Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
HS-PS2-3: Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic object during a collision.
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