Embedded Files
Grade(s): 11-12
Length: one semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation of Biology and Chemistry
Course Overview:
Course Overview:
Forensic Science explores the principles & techniques of science and analyzing crime scene evidence. Emphasis is placed on laboratory techniques, scientific inquiry, communication skills, as well as aspects of the criminal justice system and the admissibility of evidence. Prior knowledge of human genetics and chemistry is preferred.
Adopted Textbook: Forensic Science Fundamentals and Investigations. Cengage.
Adopted Textbook: Forensic Science Fundamentals and Investigations. Cengage.
Units
Units
(Recommended Order)
Semester:
Semester:
Crime Scene Investigation and Documentation
Forensic Pathology
Forensic Serology
Fingerprints and Other Impressions
Forensic Anthropology
Unit 1: Crime Scene Investigation and Documentaion
Unit 1: Crime Scene Investigation and Documentaion
Suggested Pacing: 2-3 weeks
Textbook Chapters/Lessons: Chapters 1 and 2
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Define forensic science.
Demonstrate understanding of Locard's Principle of Exchange.
Develop ovservation skills and understand their importance to forensic science.
Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Define and provide examples of physical evidence, circumstantial evidence, and trace evidence.
Discuss the responsibilities of law enforcement at crime scenes.
Describe the responsibilities of expert witnesses in the judicial system.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Mock crime scene to show how crime scenes are properly sketched, photographed, and how evidence is collected.
Digital camera to proctice taking overall, medium, and close-up pictures with placards, scales, and using a photo page/photolog.
Faces computer identification software.
Standards List: ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions: HS-ETS1.3, HS-ETS1.4 HS-ESS3.2, HS-ESS3.4
Unit 2: Forensic Pathology
Unit 2: Forensic Pathology
Suggested Pacing: 2-3 weeks
Textbook Chapters/Lessons: Chapter 12
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Determine time of death using various methods including insect life cycle, livor, algor, and rigor mortis.
Investigate autopsy procedures through simulation.
Be familiar with the trainings and usefulness or search and rescue dogs.
List job descriptions and training required for coroners and medical examiners.
Identify various wounds as blunt force, sharp force, and high velocity.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Set up entomology experiments outside, using meat samples to attract insects and document decay processes.
Lab: Blunt and Sharp Force Trauma.
Post-mortem interval determination.
Guest Speakers: Handlers of search and rescue dogs.
Standards List: LS1.A. Structure & Function: HS-LS1-1, HS-LS1-2; LS1.B: HS-LS1-7, HS-LS2-3, HS-LS2-4, HS-LS2-5, LS2.A: HSLS2-
1, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-8
Unit 3: Forensic Serology
Unit 3: Forensic Serology
Suggested Pacing: 3-4 weeks
Textbook Chapters/Lessons: Chapter 7
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Explain the antigen/antibody system of blood typing in humans. [SC.2]
Describe the use of saliva, blood, semen, and vaginal fluid to identify and eliminate individuals from suspicion.
Analysis of Alaska based statistics involving body fluid analysis (such a Homicide, Burglary, Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, and Substance related crimes).
Demonstrate understanding of presumptive tests.
Explain the difference between a secretor and non-seecretor.
Experiment with and analyze blood splatter patterns.
Experiment with an analyze genetic profiling.
Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
Explain the principles behind the polymerase chain reactions.
Explain how DNA techniques such as DQ alpha, restriction length polymorphism, short tandem repeats, and PCR can be used to narrow the list of suspects.
Detail the advantages and disadvantages of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA for use in forensic analysis.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Lab: Saliva and Secretions.
Lab: Blood Splatter.
Lab: Electrophoresis.
Lab: Presumptive Fluids.
Standards List: LS1.A: Structure and Function: HS-LS1.1, LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits: HS-LS3.1
Unit 4: Fingerprints and Other Impressions
Unit 4: Fingerprints and Other Impressions
Suggested Pacing: 2-3 weeks
Textbook Chapters/Lessons: Chapter 6 and 16
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Explain why a fingerprint is a permanent feature of human anatomy.
Classify a set of fingerprints.
Identify ridge characteristics (minutiae) in fingerprints.
Designa solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
Define latent, patent, and plastic and patent prints.
Describe the chemistry of different techniques for developing latent fingerprints.
Practice collecting fingerprints from a variety of surfaces.
Describe the process of casting shoe and tire-track impressions.
Analyze impressions in dental stone.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Use a variety of powders to collect fingerprints on porous and non-porous surfaces.
Iodine, ninhydrin, super-glue lifts.
Cast tire tracks or shoe prints using dental stone.
Standards List: PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter: HS-ETS1.2; ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions: HS-ETS1.4, HSESS3.2, HS-ESS3.4
Unit 5: Forensic Anthropology
Unit 5: Forensic Anthropology
Suggested Pacing: 3-4 weeks
Textbook Chapters/Lessons: Chapter 14
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
Identify characteristics of a crime victim by using bones.
Describe how a victim is identified through forensic odontology. Give examples of how forensic anthropologists can assist in crime solving.
Participate in the art and science of facial reconstruction.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Bone Lab: Determine gender, height, age, and general health.
Facial reconstruction project.
Standards List: ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions: HS-ESS3.2, HS-ESS3.4; ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution: HSETS1.2
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