The Innocence Project 

My teammates and I were assigned to gather and use information from the Innocence Project to learn about their improper forensics, come up with strategies for preventing wrongful convictions per our topic, and an actual case of a person who was wrongfully convicted due to improper forensics. We were assigned to organize this information into a slideshow that we would be able to present to the entire class. The objective for the assignment was to master and explain improper forensics so that we can be able to effectively teach our class about the topic chosen. My improper forensics slideshow fit in with the overall unit since it went over some forensics practices we have gone over such as hair analysis, DNA examination, etc. This assignment helped reinforce the lessons we learned via slideshows and classwork and helped students better understand what we have learned during class for the first marking period. From completing this assignment, I was able to identify that wrongful convictions can occur because of many things like improper forensics, false convictions, eyewitness identification, etc. The strengths shown through this assignment are that I can work in a group, able to gather research, and able to make an appealing slideshow. The strengths shown fully demonstrate some of the qualities I excel at. This assignment demonstrates the importance of forensics and the negative outcomes that can come from forensics if the practices aren't executed correctly. I appreciated the assignment since I managed to learn more about forensics and how the improper use of it can result in wrongful convictions. Another reason I appreciated this assignment was that the presentation aspect helped me work on improving my presentation skills since I was able to receive constructive criticism. The assignment connects to the larger world because through research we managed to understand what can cause a wrongful conviction and also made us think about ways we can minimize this.

Locard's Principle of Exchange Lab

I was assigned to test Locard’s Principle of Exchange that states, when a victim and suspect come into contact at a scene of the crime, the suspect, the victim, and the scene of the crime, are all changed, and every contact leaves a trace. With Locard’s Principle of Exchange Lab, I would be able to identify contacts made by the wearer of the clothes and different surface conditions by examining a piece of clothing. After performing the lab and gathering information I was then asked to write a formal laboratory report regarding what I discovered using the format sheet and rubric provided. The objective of the assignment was to prove the existence of Locard's Principle of Exchange by analyzing a piece of clothing and identifying the trace of substance found on the piece of clothing. Afterward, present the findings through a lab report. This assignment fitted into the overall unit since we had been reading about Locard's Principle of Exchange and took notes about this topic during class. The assignment helped reinforce the information already taught and helped clear up any misunderstanding about the topic. As I completed the assignment I was able to clear up any confusion I had about this principle and understand how Locard's Principle of Exchange works. Through completing the assignment I was also able to prove that Locard's Principle of Exchange works since I was able to properly analyze my piece of clothing. One challenge I encountered while trying to complete this assignment was figuring out what sources of error and limitations I could have encountered which took me a while to figure out. A second challenge I encountered was trying to figure out how to write a proper lab report since I hadn't written a lab report since freshman year. A third challenge I encountered was making sure that my grammar was the best it could be since I have trouble with grammar. If I was allowed to redo this assignment I would start the lab report earlier so that I could have more time to check my grammar but also use the extra time to ask for help. I would have asked about how to write a proper lab report so that I could excel in this assignment. Overall, I believe that if I were to redo this assignment then this could be some of my best work.

Crime Scene Processing How-To Video Project

My teammates and I were assigned to make a video showcasing how the crime scene processing procedures go. As we show how the crime scene process is done we are also explaining the importance of each step take during the crime scene processing. In the video we were tasked with demonstrating the four jobs involved in the process including the job of the CSI, police officer, medical examiner, and detective. We also had to have 5 pieces of evidence in our video. To do this we first had to come up with a crime and we decided upon doing a hit and run where the victim would die from the impact. It took us a week to film the entire project and the final product was good for how much thought we put into it. The assignment fit into the overall unit because the entire unit focused on crime scene processing. One thing I learned from completing this project is that the crime scene processing is a difficult and long process. The assignment showcases that I am able to work in a team and at the same time come up with creative solutions to solve the task given. The assignment connects to the importance of crime scene processing and gives insight into the jobs of each person who is at the crime scene. The main thing I enjoyed from completing this assignment was the freedom given to do the video in whatever manner we liked. I also enjoyed the assignment because filming the video was funny at times. The assignments connects to the larger world because it showcases how the current crime scene processing works.

Crime Scene Sketches

After learning about crime scene sketches on how to make one and also the importance of them we where then tasked with creating a crime scene sketch. I was tasked with drawing three different crime scene sketches. The first crime scene sketch was suppose to be a sketch based on the scene given, the second was to create your own crime scene sketch, and the last one was to sketch the scene of an assigned scene given to us previously. The crime scene sketch was supposed to be done neatly, drawn to scale, have all evidence labeled, direction labeled, have a legend, and overall, follow crime scene sketching best practices. Through completing the sketches we would show our ability to properly draw a crime scene sketch and showcase we paid attention to the lesson of the day. This fit to the overall unit because this one just one part of the crime scene processing. By completing this assignment I learned how to properly draw a crime scene sketch and the amount of work it takes to make one. One of the most challenging parts about this assignment was properly measuring the distance between the evidence and walls because there where times when I didn't have a ruler so I had to estimate the distance. Another challenge I had was that I rushed through the assignment to finish by the end of class. I think I can improve my assignment by spending more time making the sketch since I felt that I rushed and didn't have a ruler making the sketch to look off. One thing I learned from this assignment is the importance of crime scene sketching and the importance of paying attention to detail.