Forensics+Syllabus

** Performing and Fine Arts High School ** || ** Teacher Name ** : Ms. Marcoux ** Grade Level ** : 11-12 ** Prerequisite Courses ** : Taken biology and chemistry. || ** Academic Year ** : 2009-2010 ** Room Number ** : E405 ** Period ** : 6,7 ** Credits ** : 2.5 || ** Course Description: ** Forensic Science is the application of science to law. The course will involve readings, discussions and hands-on investigations. The course will culminate in an in-depth research project on a case or topic of interest to the student. || All students must maintain a one inch binder with lined paper or a notebook with a folder for handouts. Students must bring a pen or pencil to every class. Students will be provided with a text book and lab book that must be returned in good condition. In addition, handouts and online resources will be provided to students. || A student’s grade will be composed of grades in 5 areas: Classwork/Homework Notebook, Lab Notebook, Tests/Quizzes, Projects, and Participation. In order to pass each quarter, students must earn a passing grade (65%) in each of the five areas. Makeup work will be provided for students who have excused absences only. Work that is submitted **on time** may be revised for a better grade. Students may ask for an extension once each quarter. All other late work will receive a zero. Plagiarism or cheating will result in a failing grade. A student’s work should always be their own ideas, written in their own words. || Extra help: 8-8:30, 3:07–3:45 most days. || According to the LHS policy, any student with __four absences in Semester 1__ or __five absences in Semester 2__ will be required to attend Extended Learning in order to receive credit for the course. I will generally take attendance within one minute of the bell. However, if tardiness is a problem I will take attendance __at the bell__. Likewise, all students must remain in their seats **until the bell rings**. AWOL or “skipping class” and **tardiness to school** may result in an automatic “level 2” or office detention. Any time a student leaves the class without permission or does not attend class when able to do so – it will be considered AWOL. Students may not adjust or move furniture without permission. This includes desks, chairs, windows, and window shades. Students may not enter the lab area or use the computers without permission. Students may never enter the “prep room.” Students should treat the materials with care. Any student who steals or breaks supplies will receive a “level 2” detention AND be responsible for its replacement. **__ When there is a substitute teacher: __** I will leave work and instructions. If you do not complete the work and return it to the substitute OR to me the next time I see you – I will assume you were misbehaving or skipping class.  || Students will also take a quiz on the foundations of forensic science and crime scene investigation. 1.4 ENG Interpret and apply scale and proportion to orthographic projections and pictorial drawings (e.g., ¼" = 1'0", 1 cm = 1 m). SIS2: Properly use instruments, equipment, and materials (e.g., scales, probeware, meter sticks, microscopes, computers) including set-up, calibration (if required), technique, maintenance, and storage. Students will write a lab report in proper format. Students will use a compound microscope correctly. Students will complete a rough and finished sketch of a “crime scene” to scale. Students will follow directions to complete an investigation related to counterfeit money. || Students will study the hand and forearm in depth, draw or photograph a hand performing an action, and describe how the hand is adapted to its functions. Students will take a quiz on the muscular and skeletal systems, time of death, and anthropology. 4.4 BIO Explain how the muscular/skeletal system (skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle, bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons) works with other systems to support and allow for movement. Recognize that bones produce both red and white blood cells. Students will demonstrate proper technique when dissecting. Students will solve problems (anthropology) using knowledge and skills from class. Students will complete an investigation related to time of death that includes solving four case studies. Students will dissect frogs and identify the major muscles in the frog’s body. They will observe and identify muscle and bone cells of various types using a microscope. Students will solve a case based on anthropological evidence. ||  Students will take a quiz on physical evidence and firearms. Students will also take a midterm exam in Forensics. 5.2 BIO Describe species as reproductively distinct groups of organisms. Recognize that species are further classified into a hierarchical taxonomic system based on morphological similarities (e.g. hair). 1.1 CHEM Identify and explain physical properties (e.g., density, melting point, boiling point, conductivity, malleability) and chemical properties (e.g., the ability to form new substances). __ and physics (ballistics?)  __ Students will measure the mass and volume and calculate the density of objects in order to compare them. Students will create temporary slides of hair specimens and create casts of the hair cuticle. Students will compare samples of physical evidence including hair and glass using measuring tools and microscopes. Students will complete a practical exam that includes working with a team to observe, record, and collect evidence from a (mock) crime scene. ||  Students will take a quiz on fingerprints and DNA. 3.1 BIO Describe the basic structure (double helix, sugar/phosphate backbone, linked by complementary nucleotide pairs) of DNA, and describe its function in genetic inheritance. Students will use appropriate techniques (dusting, lifting, fuming) to collect fingerprint evidence. Students will use gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA samples. Students will choose appropriate sources for a research project and cite sources correctly. Students will collect fingerprints from three subjects in order to determine whether fingerprint characteristics are inherited. Students will use gel electrophoresis to solve a case. || Students will take quizzes on drugs and toxicology as well as the excretory system and urine. Students will complete various tasks that involve the characteristics of drugs and alcohol. 4.5 BIO Explain how the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, sensory neurons, motor neurons) mediates communication between different parts of the body and the body’s interactions with the environment. Identify the basic unit of the nervous system, the neuron, and explain generally how it works. 4.8 BIO Recognize that communication between cells is required for coordination of body functions. The nerves communicate with electrochemical signals, hormones circulate through the blood, and some cells produce signals to communicate only with nearby cells. 1.1 CHEM Identify and explain physical properties (e.g., density, melting point, boiling point, conductivity, malleability) and chemical properties (e.g., the ability to form new substances). Students will identify drugs based on their physical and chemical properties. Students will test for the presence of drugs using indicators. Students will choose appropriate sources for a research project and cite sources correctly. Students will test simulated urine to determine whether drugs are present. ||  Students will take quizzes on blood and blood stains as well as tracks and wildlife crimes. Students will also take a final exam in forensics. 4.2 BIO Explain how the circulatory system (red blood cells) transports nutrients and oxygen to cells and removes cell wastes. 2.5 PHYS Provide and interpret examples showing that linear momentum is the product of mass and velocity, and is always conserved (law of conservation of momentum). 6.2 BIO Analyze changes in population size and biodiversity (speciation and extinction) that result from human activity. Students will demonstrate how to type blood. Students will analyze blood stains in order to solve problems. Students will analyze tracks and other impressions. Students will use simulated blood to demonstrate blood typing as well as blood stain analysis. Students will solve a case study on a wildlife crime using tracks as well as written evidence. Students will creatively present an important criminal case that was solved using forensic evidence to the class. ||
 * Course Title: Forensic Science **
 * Course Title: Forensic Science **
 * Textbooks and required materials: **
 * Textbooks and required materials: **
 * Grading Policy: **
 * Grading Policy: **
 * Teacher Availability/Course-Specifics **
 * Teacher Availability/Course-Specifics **
 * mmarcoux@lawrence.k12.ma.us **  or ext. 39109
 * http://pfascience.wikispaces.com **
 * Classroom Conduct: **
 * __ Attendance  __**
 * __ Attendance  __**
 * __ Materials, furniture, or supplies:  __**
 * Content:  ** ||
 * Unit 1: **
 * Foundations of Forensic Science ** ||
 * Learning Outcomes **
 * Students will describe the important events in the history of forensic science.
 * Students will explain the proper techniques for investigating and recording a crime scene.
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Students will explain the proper techniques for investigating and recording a crime scene.
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Relevant Content Standards **
 * Performance Standards **
 * Performance Tasks **
 * Unit 2: **
 * Investigating the Body  ** ||
 * Learning Outcomes **
 * Students will explain the characteristics of a body that indicate time of death.
 * Students will describe the structures and functions of the skeletal and muscular systems.
 * Students will describe diseases and injuries that affect the muscles and bones, including osteoporosis, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, fractures, and muscle injuries.
 * Students will study the limbs and joints in detail. They will describe how joints are adapted to perform specific functions.
 * Students will apply knowledge of the skeletal system to cases involving anthropological identification of remains.
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Relevant Content Standards **
 * Performance Standards **
 * Performance Tasks **
 * Unit 3: **
 * Physical Evidence  ** ||
 * Learning Outcomes **
 * Students will describe the types of physical evidence and how they are analyzed.
 * Students will study types of firearms and ammunition and explain how ballistic evidence is analyzed.
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Relevant Content Standards **
 * Performance Standards **
 * Performance Tasks **
 * Unit 4: **
 * Biological Evidence ** ||
 * Learning Outcomes **
 * Students will study the anatomy of fingerprints and learn how to analyze fingerprint evidence.
 * Students will explain the structure of DNA and how it is useful in crime scene investigation.
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Relevant Content Standards **
 * Performance Standards **
 * Performance Tasks **
 * Unit 5: **
 * Toxicology  ** ||
 * Learning Outcomes **
 * Students will learn about the composition of drugs and alcohol and how they affect the body.
 * Students will learn about urine and analyze urine samples for drug content.
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Relevant Content Standards **
 * Performance Standards **
 * Performance Tasks **
 * Unit 6: **
 * Looking for patterns: stains and tracks  ** ||
 * Learning Outcomes **
 * Students will describe characteristics of blood (4 types).
 * Students will explain how impact angle and speed affect blood stain patterns.
 * Students will compare tracks and impressions in order to solve problems.
 * Students will identify laws intended to protect wildlife and learn about wildlife crimes.
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Assessment/Success Criteria **
 * Relevant Content Standards **
 * Performance Standards **
 * Performance Tasks **