Forensic Science and Observation, Crime-Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection
Forensic Science
Embedded Files
Literacy / Driving Question Board Connections
Nonfiction Science Literacy Resources
Graphic Organizers / Thinking Maps
Driving Question Boards
Multilingual Learner Language Expectations
Chapter 1 Scenario - How Accurate is Eyewitness Memory?
On December 6, 1981, Ann Meng, a young nursing student, was assaulted and raped in her apartment. She was alone in the apartment. Several weeks after her attack, Meng encountered Julius Earl Ruffin, an African American maintenance man at the medical school she attended. She notified police and told them she was certain that Ruffin was her attacker.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Forensics: the word conjures up images of the CSI television series, lab coats, and brightly lit laboratories. “Forensic” derives from the Latin word forensis, which means “of the forum.” The ancient Roman forum was an open area where scholars would gather to debate issues. The forum was something like modern-day court. Crimes were solved by forum debates. Sides for the suspect and victim would give speeches, and the public would decide who gave the best argument. However, debating is not forensic science. It is about the skill of observation to uncover evidence and discover the facts of a crime.
Chapter 2 Scenario - Lessons from the JonBenet Ramsey Case
The 1996 homicide investigation of six-year-old JonBenet Ramsey provides valuable lessons in proper crime-scene investigation procedures. From this case, we learn how important it is to secure a crime scene. Key forensic evidence can be lost forever without a secure crime scene.
Chapter 2 Introduction
It is almost impossible for a crime to be committed without the perpetrator leaving behind some type of evidence. Something as small as a hair, fibers, pollen, fingerprints, or human cells can help the police link a suspect to the crime scene or help to reconstruct the crime. Because many forms of evidence are small and easily lost or contaminated, it is crucial that crime-scene investigators (CSIs) secure the crime scene.
Unit Standards
What is the NGSS & 3 Dimensional Science Learning and Why is it Important?
Science Practices - Disciplinary Core Ideas - Crosscutting Concepts
HS-LS1-1: Genes, Proteins, and Tissues
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
Clarification Statement: none
Boundary Statement: Assessment does not include identification of specific cell or tissue types, whole body systems, specific protein structures and functions, or the biochemistry of protein synthesis.
HS-LS1-3: Feedback Mechanisms and Homeostasis
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis. (Stability and Change)
Clarification Statement: Examples of investigations could include heart rate response to exercise, stomate response to moisture and temperature, and root development in response to water levels.
Boundary Statement: Assessment does not include the cellular processes involved in the feedback mechanism.
HS-LS3-1: Chromosomal Inheritance
Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring. (Cause and Effect)
Clarification Statement: none
Boundary Statement: Assessment does not include the phases of meiosis or the biochemical mechanism of specific steps in the process.
Learning Objectives / Career Connections
By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
Chapter 1
1.1 Describe the purpose of forensic science.
1.2 Explain the role and responsibilities of a forensic scientist.
1.3 Distinguish between scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws as used by forensic scientists to explain what
occurred at a crime scene.
1.4 Distinguish between observation and perception.
1.5 Distinguish between fact and opinion as they relate to eyewitness testimony.
1.6 Describe ways to improve observation skills.
1.7 Describe effective techniques that result in an accurate eyewitness interview.
1.8 Develop your observational skills and ability to assess the validity of eyewitness accounts of a crime.
1.9 Design an experiment that demonstrates how different factors influence our observational abilities.
Chapter 2
2.1 Describe the goals of crime-scene investigation.
2.2 Describe the roles and responsibilities of the types of professionals present at a crime scene.
2.3 Summarize Locard’s Principle of Exchange.
2.4 Distinguish between different types of evidence.
2.5 List the seven steps (seven S’s) of a crime-scene investigation.
2.6 Describe how a crime scene is secured.
2.7 Describe the various methods of documenting a crime scene.
2.8 Describe the proper technique in collecting and packaging trace evidence, and how to maintain chain
of custody.
2.9 Explain how to map an outdoor crime scene.
2.10 Describe how evidence from a crime scene is analyzed.
2.11 Identify ways to determine if a crime scene was staged.
2.12 Identify several advances in technology that have improved crime-scene investigation.
2.13 Examine a crime scene for trace evidence as part of a crime scene investigation.
2.14 Apply the seven steps (seven S’s) of crime-scene investigation to a crime scene.
Using ChatGPT to find local Colorado Phenomena
Use the following prompt, adjust accordingly. "I am a high school science teacher looking for a local Colorado phenomena to address NGSS standard (enter standard you are looking for... example HS-LS1-6)"
Career Connections
Connecting what students are learning to careers not only deepens their engagement in school but also helps them make more informed choices about their future. Browse the following related career profiles to discover what scientists really do on the job and what it takes to prepare for these careers. For additional profiles visit your Year at a Glance Page.
Hands On, Minds On Connections
St Vrain Science Center
Simulations
Forensic Science Fundamentals & Investigations
GIZMOS
Nearpod Lessons / Activities / Videos
LabXchange Lessons / Activities / Videos
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