Digital Learning Department

Fingerprints. Blood spatter. DNA analysis. The world of law enforcement is increasingly making use of the techniques and knowledge from the sciences to better understand the crimes that are committed and to catch those individuals responsible for the crimes. Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system. This course focuses on some of the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists during a crime investigation. Starting with how a crime scene is recorded, the course will follow the various evidence through to the criminal case trial, examining how different elements of the crime scene are analyzed and processed.

Washington State standards
Learning expectations are found within the course itself.

 

EALR 1: Systems
SYSB Systems thinking can be especially useful in analyzing complex situations. To be useful, a system needs to be specified as clearly as possible.

EALR 2: Inquiry
INQA Question Scientists generate and evaluate questions to investigate the natural world.
INQB Investigate Scientific progress requires the use of various methods appropriate for answering different kinds of research questions, a thoughtful plan for gathering data needed to answer the question, and care in collecting, analyzing, and displaying the data.
INQC Explain Conclusions must be logical, based on evidence, and consistent with prior established knowledge.
INQD Communicate Clearly The methods and procedures that scientists use to obtain evidence must be clearly reported to enhance opportunities for further investigation.
INQE Model The essence of scientific investigation involves the development of a theory or conceptual model that can generate testable predictions.
INQF Communicate Science is a human endeavor that involves logical reasoning and creativity and entails the testing, revision, and occasional discarding of theories as new evidence comes to light.
INQG Intellectual Honesty Public communication among scientists is an essential aspect of research. Scientists evaluate the validity of one another's investigations, check the reliability of results, and explain inconsistencies in findings.
INQH Intellectual Honesty Scientists carefully evaluate sources of information for reliability before using that information. When referring to the ideas or findings of others, they cite their sources of information.

EALR 3: Application
APPB The technological design process begins by defining a problem in terms of criteria and constraints, conducting research, and generating several different solutions.
APPC Choosing the best solution involves comparing alternatives with respect to criteria and constraints, then building and testing a model or other representation of the final design.
APPD The ability to solve problems is greatly enhanced by use of mathematics and information technologies.

EALR 4: Life Science
LS1E The genetic information responsible for inherited characteristics is encoded in the DNA molecules in chromosomes. DNA is composed of four subunits (A,T,C,G). The sequence of subunits in a gene specifies the amino acids needed to make a protein. Proteins express inherited traits (e.g., eye color, hair texture) and carry out most cell function.

 

 

For each unit there will be multiple lessons, typically 4 or 5. After you have finished the lessons, there are 3 pieces of written work that you will need to submit to me and finally a unit quiz. The first are text questions that reflect upon what you have read and need to come away with from the lessons.

Secondly there will be the questions associated with the lab activity, and finally, there will be discussion questions which you will need to respond to.

After you have completed those items, there will be review tips and a study game to prepare you for your unit quizzes.

• Unit 1: Introduction to Forensic Science and The History of Forensics
• Unit 2: The Crime Scene: Exploring how and why crime scenes are processed
• Unit 3: Physical Evidence
• Unit 4: Biological Evidence: Hair, Blood and Fingerprints
• Unit 5: Firearms and Tool Marks
• Unit 6: The Study of Human Remains
• Unit 7: DNA
• Unit 8: Arson and Explosives Evidence
• Final Exam

 

Weekly Contact Requirements: Students are expected to submit work each week following the provided checklist. They are also expected to maintain weekly communication with their teacher, ask for assistance when needed, and respond to e-mails from the teacher. If they are having trouble keeping up with the checklist, they should email their teacher immediately. The teacher is flexible and willing to work with students to meet their needs as they are communicated. If students are unable to meet these expectations, they will be dropped from the class for lack of attendance.