Forensic Science

This course will explore the basic science behind modern detection. Students will focus on observations, organization & careful laboratory practices. Testing will be completed to gain information from evidence collected (hair, fiber, fingerprint, DNA, Blood, imprints, ballistics, urine/blood, toxicology, bones, entomology & possibly others if time allows. Summatives (including the final exam) will be staged crime scenes and students will need to apply skills learned in class/lab to succeed in those experiences.

School Competencies

Student can create a unique and efficient research design that adheres to the principles of the scientific method.
Student can manage and analyze complex and large datasets in order to synthesize new knowledge in fields beyond the physical sciences, such as biology, linguistics, or the humanities.
Student can anticipate a problem and interpret research data in order to meet the evolving needs of the situation.
Student can give undivided attention to speaker through engagement and demeanor and can work jointly with others to complete a task or goal.

Course Competencies

Students will be able to collect and analyze biometric data both individually and in a group. Data will include lifting fingerprints, comparing fingerprints, testing blood for Rh and blood type, and performing and analyzing gel electrophoresis for DNA.
Students will use biometric data to evaluate potential causal relationships.
Students will work with a group to collect all information from a crime scene. Labeled photographs, numbered data, complete sketches are a few of the items that will be collected and reported.
Students will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and individually to define problems, plan and conduct investigations, and analyze and interpret data while following safety precautions.
Students will effectively communicate the research process and conclusions. Writing conventions will be followed.

Credits

.5

Grades

11-12

(occasional advanced 10th grader)