| Welcome to Forensic Science.
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We will be learning and practicing the techniques used by Crime Scene
Investigators (CSI's) to process crime scenes and collect evidence, as well
as laboratory techniques practiced by Forensic Scientists to process and
test that evidence. Although there is no midterm or final exam in this
course, there is a practical (crime scene) exercise each semester, there are
many hands-on activities, and there are chapter tests.
In Chapter 1, we will learn about the legal system, Locard's exchange
principle, and the reliability (or unreliability) of eyewitness testimony.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8th
Monday: You will receive the Course Expectation Guidelines, the Chapter 1
Vocabulary List, and the Film Permission Slip to be signed by your
parent/guardian.
Wednesday: Chapter 1 Vocabulary should be completed by today. Film
permission slip must be returned today, so that we can begin viewing the
films of this course.
Friday: There will be a 30-point vocabulary quiz today.
Also today (Friday) you will receive a new white t-shirt which you will wear
for a full day (either Saturday or Sunday). On Monday, you will bring it to
class and examine it with a hand lens for trace evidence, and try to link
that evidence with your activities when you wore the shirt (Locard's
Exchange Principle)
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15th
Monday: You will examine your t-shirt for trace evidence, and analyze what
the evidence shows about your activities (activity and question sheet: 20-
point total for lab).
Beginning Tuesday, and continuing the rest of the week, you will be
processing and solving a crime scene.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22nd
Monday we will begin Chapter 2, dealing with Evidence, with a PowerPoint
presentation. You will get the Chapter 2 Vocabulary studysheet. Tuesday
and Wednesday we will be learning the calculations of statistics and
probability as they relate to evidence and suspects. Thursday there will be
a lab exercise dealing with class and individualized evidence. Next Monday,
Sept. 29, there will be a test on the material of Chapter 2.
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29th
Monday, you will watch CSI
Tuesday you will take the test on Chapter 2, (Evidence), then begin Chapter
3 - How to process a crime scene - with a PowerPoint presentation. We will
finish the PowerPoint Wednesday.You will receive a studysheet for Chapter 3,
that should be completed by Thursday.
Wednesday and Thursday, you will practice crime-scene processing techniques,
taking turns with the camcorder, digital still camera, taking notes, drawing
a scale diagram, avoiding contaminating the scene. We will evaluate the
results of your efforts, and aim for the most effective procedures. Friday
you will get a worksheet to determine crime scene contamination.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 6th
Monday we will review the crime scene documentation, and begin going over
the studysheet for Chapter 3. You will receive a question sheet dealing
with the crime scene descriptions at the end of Chapter 3, due on Tuesday
for homework.
Tuesday we will finish the chapter 3 studysheet and the crime scene
questions. You will receive a permission letter regarding fingerprinting in
class. Bring the letter back by Thursday.
Wednesday we will begin our work on Chapter 4, Fingerprints, with a
Powerpoint presentation.
Thursday and Friday we will begin our study of fingerprints by examining
pictures showing the fingerprint types, and by taking fingerprints.
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