Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

Franklin High School Forensic Science 1-2 Honors
Course Description:
Forensics offers a unique framework for a combination of principles from biology; chemistry; and physics; as well as an understanding of how scientific principles are handled within the legal system. The course will develop an understanding of various types of forensic evidence and their analysis within a laboratory setting; combined with real-life case studies and an emphasis on team collaboration; similar to how Crime Scene Investigation Teams analyze case evidence to draw a conclusion. The course is designed for students with an interest in Forensics; Law Enforcement; Chemistry; and those wishing to pursue a legal career. This course also prepares students to further their science education at the university level; and introduces them to the possibilities of a science related career.
The objectives of this course include understanding how scientific principles are used in analysis of crime scene evidence; and how a criminal investigation requires a broad understanding of biology; chemistry and physics. Students will understand how evidence is collected and analyzed; and apply science and technological practices to various case studies. Major concepts in biology; chemistry and physics will be covered; with an emphasis on conceptual understanding combined with the ability to apply to connect evidence to a claim. Themes of study in this course are pathology; anthropology; odontology; ballistics; trace evidence; biological fluids; DNA; fingerprints; impression evidence; questioned documents and forensic psychiatry/psychology.

Course and Lab Syllabus:
Section I. Introduction
1. Introduction to the Forensic Sciences
History and Development of Forensic Science
Deductive Reasoning
Organization of a Crime Laboratory
Services of the Crime Laboratory
Functions of the Forensic Scientist
Other Forensic Science Services
Lab/Activity: Student presentation
Science Standards: Strand 2: History and nature of Science
Concept 1: History of Science as Human Endeavor
• PO 1. Describe how human curiosity and needs have influenced science; impacting the quality of life worldwide.
• PO 2. Describe how diverse people and/or cultures; past and present; have made important contributions to scientific innovations.
• PO 3. Analyze how specific changes in science have affected society
Strand 3: Science in Personal and Social Perspective
Concept 2: Support a position on Science or technology issue
• PO 3. Support a position on a science or technology issue.
2. The Crime Scene
Securing and Recording the Crime Scene
Evidence Collection Techniques
Photographic Evidence and Log Recording –
Lab/Activity: Mock Crime Scene Photography
Strand 1; Inquiry Process
Concept 1: Observation; Questions and Hypotheses
• PO 4. Predict the outcome of an investigation based on prior evidence; probability; and/or modeling (not guessing or inferring
Concept 2: Scientific Testing
• PO 1. Demonstrate safe and ethical procedures (e.g.; use and care of technology; materials; organisms) and behavior in all science inquiry
3. Forensic Use of the Microscope
The Compound Microscope
The Comparison Microscope
Lab/Activity; preparing cheek cell slide and studying different samples of cell
Strand 1; Inquiry Process
Concept 2: Scientific Testing
• PO 1. Demonstrate safe and ethical procedures (e.g.; use and care of technology; materials; organisms) and behavior in all science inquiry
Strand 4; Life Science
Concept 1: The Cell
PO 2: Compare the form and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their cellular components.

Section II. Physical Evidence
1. Physical Evidence
The Significance of Physical Evidence
Forensic Databases
Crime Scene Reconstruction
Lab/Activity: Use of Smart Draw software in reconstructing physical evidence; Trace evidence activity
Strand 1; Inquiry Process
Concept 1: Observation; Questions and Hypotheses
• PO 4. Predict the outcome of an investigation based on prior evidence; probability; and/or modeling (not guessing or inferring
Concept 2: Scientific Testing
• PO 1. Demonstrate safe and ethical procedures (e.g.; use and care of technology; materials; organisms) and behavior in all science inquiry
• PO 2. Identify the resources needed to conduct an investigation.
• PO 3. Design an appropriate protocol (written plan of action) for testing a hypothesis:
o Identify dependent and independent variables in a controlled investigation.
o Determine an appropriate method for data collection (e.g.; using balances; thermometers; microscopes; spectrophotometer; using qualitative changes).
o Determine an appropriate method for recording data (e.g.; notes; sketches; photographs; videos; journals (logs); charts; computers/calculators).
• PO 4. Conduct a scientific investigation that is based on a research design
• PO 5. Record observations; notes; sketches; questions; and ideas using tools such as journals; charts; graphs; and computers
Concept 3: Analysis; Conclusions; and Refinement
Concept 4: Communication
2. Physical Properties: Glass and Soil
Physical Properties
Comparing Glass Fragments
Glass Fractures
Collection and Preservation of Glass Evidence
Lab/Activity: Glass density calculation and fragment Identification
Strand 5: Physical Science
Concept 1: Structure and properties of matter
• PO 2: Describe substances based on their chemical properties.
3. Firearm and Ballistic Evidence
Determining Caliber & Gun Type from Bullets & Shell Casings
Determining Weapons Firing from Gunshot Residue
Lab/Activity: Gunshot Residue test; bullet striation comparison activity; use of macroscope for bullet comparison
Strand 5: Physical Science
Concept 1: Structure and properties of matter
• PO 2: Describe substances based on their chemical properties.
Section III. Biological Evidence
1. Hair; Fiber and Botanical Remains
Identification and Comparison of Hair
Collection and Preservation of Hair Evidence
Types of Fibers
Identification and Comparison of Manufactured Fibers
Collection and Preservation of Fiber Evidence
Lab/Activity: Human and animal hair sample identification and comparison; synthetic and natural fiber identification
Strand 5: Physical Science
Concept 1: Structure and properties of matter
• PO 1: Describe substances based on their physical properties.
• PO 2: Describe substances based on their chemical properties
2. DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool
Recombinant DNA: Cutting and Splicing DNA
DNA Typing
Mitochondrial DNA
The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)
Lab/Activity: Dye electrophoresis activity; DNA fingerprinting lab
Strand 3: Life Sciences
Concept 1: The Cell
• PO 2: Compare the form and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their cellular components.

Concept 2: Molecular basis of Heredity
• PO 1. Analyze the relationships among nucleic acids (DNA; RNA); genes; and chromosomes.
• PO 3. Explain how genotypic variation occurs and results in phenotypic diversity.
3. Fingerprints
Fundamental Principles of Fingerprints
Classification of Fingerprints
Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems
Preservation of Developed Prints
Digital Imaging for Fingerprint Enhancement
Lab/Activity: Classification; development and Analysis of fingerprints; ten card activity
Strand 1; Inquiry Process
Concept 1: Observation; Questions and Hypotheses
• PO 4. Predict the outcome of an investigation based on prior evidence; probability; and/or modeling (not guessing or inferring
Concept 2: Scientific Testing
• PO 1. Demonstrate safe and ethical procedures (e.g.; use and care of technology; materials; organisms) and behavior in all science inquiry
• PO 2. Identify the resources needed to conduct an investigation.
• PO 3. Design an appropriate protocol (written plan of action) for testing a hypothesis:
o Identify dependent and independent variables in a controlled investigation.
o Determine an appropriate method for data collection (e.g.; using balances; thermometers; microscopes; spectrophotometer; using qualitative changes).
o Determine an appropriate method for recording data (e.g.; notes; sketches; photographs; videos; journals (logs); charts; computers/calculators).
• PO 4. Conduct a scientific investigation that is based on a research design
• PO 5. Record observations; notes; sketches; questions; and ideas using tools such as journals; charts; graphs; and computers
Concept 3: Analysis; Conclusions; and Refinement
Concept 4: Communication
4. Forensic Psychology
Mental Deviance
Criminal Profiling
Lab/Activity: Criminal Profiling through video clippings and use of Thinking Maps
Strand 1; Inquiry Process
Concept 1: Observation; Questions and Hypotheses
• PO 4. Predict the outcome of an investigation based on prior evidence; probability; and/or modeling (not guessing or inferring
Concept 2: Scientific Testing
• PO 1. Demonstrate safe and ethical procedures (e.g.; use and care of technology; materials; organisms) and behavior in all science inquiry
• PO 2. Identify the resources needed to conduct an investigation.
• PO 3. Design an appropriate protocol (written plan of action) for testing a hypothesis:
o Identify dependent and independent variables in a controlled investigation.
o Determine an appropriate method for data collection (e.g.; using balances; thermometers; microscopes; spectrophotometer; using qualitative changes).
o Determine an appropriate method for recording data (e.g.; notes; sketches; photographs; videos; journals (logs); charts; computers/calculators).
• PO 4. Conduct a scientific investigation that is based on a research design
• PO 5. Record observations; notes; sketches; questions; and ideas using tools such as journals; charts; graphs; and computers
Concept 3: Analysis; Conclusions; and Refinement
Concept 4: Communication
5. Forensic Toxicology
Toxicology of Alcohol
The Role of the Toxicologist
Techniques Used in Toxicology
The Significance of Toxicological Findings
Lab/Activity: Analysis of drug and Poison and Chemistry of unknown substance
Strand 5: Physical Science
Concept 1: Structure and properties of matter
• PO 1. Describe substances based on their physical properties.
• PO 2. Describe substances based on their chemical properties
• PO 4. Separate mixtures of substances based on their physical properties
6. Forensic Serology
The Nature of Blood
Forensic Characterization of Bloodstains
Stain Patterns of Blood
Lab/Activity: Blood splatter activity; Simulated blood typing lab
Strand 4; Life Science
Concept 1: The Cell
PO 2: Compare the form and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their cellular components.

7. Forensic Anthropology and Examination of Death
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Skeletal Comparison of Human Males & Females
Ancestry from Skeletal Remains
Introduction to Forensic Entomology
Forensic Odontology
Manners of death
Insect colonization and development
Lab/Activity: Bite mark Analysis; bone bonanza activity; Forensic Entomology;

Sample Lab
Blood Typing Lab

Part 1: Understanding Blood
Prelab-Blood Type
1. What are the four different kinds of human blood? __________________
2. The blood type is determined by antigens (A or B) that are present or absent on the surface of red blood cells. Humans normally produce antibodies against those antigens that are NOT on their red blood cells. REMEMBER that blood type is based on antigens; not the antibodies; that a person possesses.
a. If someone has A antigens; what blood type are they? _____
i. What antibody will they have? _____
b. If someone has B antigens; what blood type are they? ____
i. What antibody will they have? ____
c. If someone has neither A nor B antigens; what blood type are they? _____
i. What antibody will they have? _____
d. If someone has both A and B antigens; what blood type are they? _____
i. What antibody will they have? _____
Agglutination
We are going to use a simple test to determine blood type; performed with a serum that will be added to separate samples of blood.
• If agglutination occurs only in the drops to which the anti-A serum was added; what blood type is it? ____
• If agglutination occurs only in the drops to which the anti-B serum was added; what blood type is it? _____
• If agglutination in both samples; what blood type is it? _____
• The absence of agglutination indicates that the blood type is ____

PART II - Applying understanding of blood type in a case.

Scenario
Crime investigators were called to the scene of a robbery. Mr. Smith had come home; only to find someone robbing his apartment. As the criminal rushed to leave the apartment; he ran into a glass door; cutting his arm and tearing his shirt. The crime investigators were able to remove small drops of blood from glass bits. The blood samples from the crime scene; along with the victim’s blood; were sent to the forensic lab to be analyzed. The crime investigators reviewed the available evidence and apprehended 3 suspects. The last remaining piece of evidence needed to solve the crime is to match the blood type found at the scene of the crime to one of the suspects. You; along with your classmates; have been chosen to provide this last piece of evidence and determine which of the suspects is the burglar.

Materials

• 5 Blood typing trays
• Toothpicks
• Paper towel to clean the toothpicks between stirs
• Vials of: Victim’s blood
o Crime scene blood
o Suspect 1’s blood
o Suspect 2’s blood
o Suspect 3’s blood
o Anti-A serum
o Anti-B serum
o Anti-Rh serum

Procedure
1. Label the 5 blood typing trays by placing each tray on a piece of paper that each reads as one of the following: Crime scene; Victim; Suspect #1; Suspect #2; and Suspect #3.

2. To determine the type of blood found at the crime scene; put 3 drops of the blood found at the crime scene in each of the A; B; and Rh wells of the blood typing tray labeled “Crime Scene.”

3. Place 3 drops of the simulated anti-A serum on the blood in the A well of the tray.

4. Place 3 drops of the simulated anti-B serum on the blood in the B well of the tray.

5. Place 3 drops of the simulated anti-Rh serum on the blood in the Rh tray.

6. With a toothpick; stir each sample of the anti-serum and blood.

7. Observe the slide and record your observations in Table 2 of the Analysis section. To confirm agglutination; try reading text through a mixed sample. If you cannot read the text; assume you have a positive agglutination reaction.

8. For the Anti-Rh Serum; agglutination signifies Rh+; no agglutination means Rh-.

Once you have determined the type of blood found at the scene of the crime; you will then type the blood of the victim and three suspects.

9. Place 3 drops of the victim’s blood in each of the A; B; Rh wells of the victim; and repeat for suspect #1; #2; and #3.

10. Place 3 drops of the simulated anti-A serum in each of the A wells on the four trays.

11. Place 3 drops of the simulated anti-B serum in each of the B wells on the four trays.

12. Place 3 drops of the simulated Rh serum in each of the Rh wells on the four trays.

13. Stir each sample with a clean toothpick.

14. Observe the slide and record your observation in Table 2. To confirm agglutination; try reading text through the mixed sample. If you cannot read the text; assume you have a positive agglutination reaction.

Blood Source Anti-A Serum Anti-B Serum Anti-Rh Serum Blood Type
Crime Scene
Victim
Suspect 1
Suspect 2
Suspect 3

Analysis Questions
1. Why is it necessary to type the victim’s blood?
2. How are ABO blood types determined?
3. What happens to the red blood cells that agglutinate?
4. Could type B child with a type A mother have a type A father?
5. What are the possible genetic combination of a child whose parents blood type are A and B?
6. As a forensics technician; the courts have asked you to summarize your findings to the jury. Explain what you would say in the space below. (Remember; it is your job to report the facts; not decide who is guilty.)
7. Look at Suspect #3; using the information from Figure 1 (p.1) and the data from your blood type analysis:

a. What ABO antigens are present on the suspect’s red blood cells? ____________
b. What ABO antibodies are found in the suspect’s blood plasma? _________
c. What is the suspect’s blood type? _______________
d. If the suspect needed a blood transfusion; what blood types could he/she receive? _______________
e. What blood types could safely receive this suspect’s blood? __________
8. You are a defense attorney representing the accused. Your client has been shown to have the same blood type as that found at the scene of the crime. Explain to the jury why this information alone is not enough to convict your client.

9. As the client’s attorney; you have also been provided with the police videotape of the crime scene analysis. In the video; you notice that one of the investigating officers has a bandage on his hand. How could you use this evidence to your advantage?

Final Project:
Each team comprised of three students is given a list of five evidence items. From those given evidence items; each team creates a crime scene with help of Smart Draw or from the materials available in Law Enforcement or Firefighting class. Based on the scene created other teams has to solve to crime scene. Then the team created the crime scene explains the story line and importance of each evidence items in the crime. They will explain how each evidence piece is involved in the crime. How and in what sequence each evidence will be analyzed and why? Students will also explain how each evidence piece could provide multiple sources of information.
Students will make sure that:
• All five evidence items are connected to crime
• The story line is logical
• There is no superfluous use of evidence in the crime scene.

School country

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High school

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Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• LINT
• Integrated science

Approved date

Online / Virtual