COURSE OUTLINE AND POLICIES FOR FORENSIC SCIENCES -
Mrs. Capers /Room 428 251-221-
What Will you learn in FORENSICS?
In this course, students will improve their critical thinking skills and learn how to use the scientific process to investigate and solve problems by exploring how various professionals use forensics to evaluate crime scenes. Students will also apply scientific concepts and laws to solve possible realistic crime scenarios.
Prerequisite
Students must have successfully completed biology, and physical science or chemistry, and the science portion of the AHSGE
Survival Tips
§ Keep up with class notes and assignments is crucial; don’t fall behind
§ Don’t be afraid to ask questions – that’s why I’m here. On the other hand, don’t expect me to give you an answer – I’ll ask leading questions that will help you figure out the answer for yourself.
§ Remember only one person may speak at a time. When you ask a question or provide an answer you are to speak up, loud enough that I and all others in the room may hear you.
§ Watching Forensic and medical related shows on TV will be helpful your understanding of the topic.
Labs and Lab Fees and Field Trips
Yes, we will be doing lab activities; about one per topic – the lab is an integral part of the course.
Lab Safety is of major concern; therefore, I will remove any student from a laboratory setting who does not follow the lab safety procedures or lab rules in general. Once a student is removed from a lab, he or she will earn a zero for that lab. If a student misses labs he/she must make it up on his/her own time on the instructor’s terms. Yes, there is a$ 20.00 lab fee. This money goes toward purchasing materials that are used up during the course, usually specimen, equipment and maintenance, and chemicals. We will make at least one Field trip (cost $ 35.00 or more). I will announce the date(s) in a timely manner since I have to schedule them with Forensics Science Facilities. Checks may be made payable to M. G. Montgomery High School and must show a drivers license number and two telephone numbers
Assignments and Grading
90 – 100 = A; 80 – 89 = B; 70 - 79 = C; 60 – 69 = D; below 60 = E on the grading scale. Tests come at the end of a concept, usually once a week, not necessarily on a Friday. You are required to do at least one project, and a formal paper or presentation (my choice). Tests and Labs weigh 60% all other grades weigh 40%. Occasionally, there will be extra-credit assignments. The grades will not be scaled; if I make a mistake I’ll add those points to the grade. There are EQTs. They are comprehensive – that is, they cover everything we have done up to that point. You will encounter all topics discussed in class and lab. According to the curriculum the EQTs will make up 20% of your quarter grade. You can view your grades on inow. inow is a tool; it’s not 100% accurate since it takes 24 hours to upgrade and new grades are added frequently. Your final exam grade and therefore your quarter and semester grades can not be seen on inow. Familiarize yourself with explanations and calculation procedures (page 2).
Make-Up Work
If you miss a test, quiz, lab, or class work, you will be assigned a grade of zero. It is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed when you return. If you are absent with a valid excuse, you are allowed two days to turn in work you missed. Work includes lecture notes, homework, and any worksheets or handouts. You may get notes and assignments by sending me an e-mail or from a classmate (know his/her phone number). It is expected that you do all assignments. Late work will be accepted. I will be available after school to help you, usually Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will be making up your missed and/or re-take test after school on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. If you re-take a test, your highest grade will be a 70%, however, if the grade is lower than previously, it will be applied! If you opt to come on Saturday make arrangements with your teacher and be in uniform.
For help with your homework check in resources on Mrs. Capers’ website www.oceaninmotion.wikispaces.com. There is NO excuse for falling behind!
Items You Need Daily For Class
Spring Ring Binder with paper, Text book, pencil, two pens (different colors, colored pencils, and a metric ruler
Mary G. Montgomery High School Category Points Grading Scale
Tests 60%
Test grades will include: Tests; Labs; Projects; Research Papers
Other grades 40%
Other grades will include: Homework; Class work; Quizzes; Teacher Observations; possible Bonuses
Example grade calculation for Category Points
Tests (60%) Earned Possible
Test 1 97 100
Test 2 82 100
Test 3 57 100
Project 1 40 50
Project 2 20 50
296 400
To get your test average, add up all of your earned points and divide by the possible points.
296 points ÷ 400 points = 74.0 average
Other (40%) Earned Possible
Homework 1 60 75
Class work 1 88 100
Quiz 1 70 100
Homework 2 45 50
Homework 3 8 20
271 345
To get your “other” average, add up all of your earned points and divide by the possible points.
271 points ÷ 345 grades = 78.6 average
To get your class average, take your test average and multiply by 0.6. Then take your other average and multiple by 0.4. Lastly add those two numbers together. This is your class average.
74.0 x 0.6 = 44.4
78.6 x 0.4 = 31.44
Average = 75.84 (Quarter Net Average)
This is your average going into the CRT (also called QNA). To get your grade after the CRT you take your QNA and multiply it by 4. Then you add your CRT grade. Finally, you divide that number by 5. This is your final quarter average.
For example, you have a 75.84 going into the CRT and you make a 65 on the CRT.
(75.84 x 4) + 65 = 368.36
Now divide by 5…
368.36 ÷ 5 = 73.67
This is your final quarter average.
Final Quarter Grade = 74
Parent Conferences
Parent conferences may be scheduled through the school office at 251-221-3153. If scheduled, I’ll be available during my planning period or at the midterm PTO meeting; impromptu conferences are strongly discouraged. I may also be contacted through my e-mail address at . Because of privacy concerns, I will not discuss a student’s performance (grades) via e-mail; this address will be strictly for scheduling conferences and answering any questions that you may have. Please put your child’s name in the subject line and allow 2 days or so for a response.
For general information about this class please visit my website at http://oceaninmotion.wikispaces.com
Class Rules
These rules are made to create an environment that will aid student learning. They are not intended to be restrictive of one’s character or personality, but rather allow each student will develop his/her greatest potential.
1. Be on time. You are to be in your seats when the bell rings. Tardiness will be punished according to MCPSS rules.
2. You will come to class in proper uniform. This includes the appropriate shoes, backpack, shirt tails tucked in, and cell phones turned off.
3. When you enter the room, turn in your homework from the previous day. For full credit, ALL work must be done on time; it must be neat, it must be correct, and must be turned in when entering the classroom. Begin your early work without talking.
4. If you have parent notes, doctor notes, or admit slips place them in my hand. I will get them back to you sometime during the class.
5. Items to bring when entering the classroom are your notebook, text book, pencil, paper, and two pens. 6. You may NOT share materials. All tests will be taken in pencil. During a test you are expected to mind your own business and look only at your own work. If I see you deviating from that requirement I will assume that you are cheating and you will receive a grade of zero.
7. With the exception of turning in your work, do not leave your seat without permission.
8. You may not bring food, drinks and gum to class.
9. You may not use the restroom during class sessions; the only exception is a doctor’s note signed by the principal.
10. You may NOT leave my classroom to go anywhere else (another teacher, guidance, the office…) unless you are requested either in writing or called over the intercom and then, it is your responsibility to complete missed work.
11. Please refrain from any disrespectful gestures, remarks and improper language.
12. When in lab, if I start talking you are to immediately become silent. I am probably trying to tell you something important about the lab that involves either your safety or your grade.
13. You may remain seated until you are dismissed. You may NOT congregate around the door or the desks. I may have some important closing information that I need you to hear.
14. Once you are done with your class work, you are to remain quiet at your desk. You may check your work or read in your textbook. Do not start talking to those around you. Be respectful of the fact that others may not be done with their work.
Consequences
There will be consequences for violating the school policies and procedures. Remember, it is your responsibility to know these policies and procedures (see handbook). When you violate them I presume it is a choice that you made knowing that there are consequences that will follow.
Note: Failure to return a punishment assignment with a parent signature is classified as “deliberate or willful disobedience” a class B offense. Please refer to the student handbook for other possible consequences.
Brief Course Outline
We will be using the text Forensic Science. Authors: Deslich/Funkhouser. These books are fairly new and you will be held responsible for any damage incurred during the semester the book is assigned to you.
Rough outline of the topics we will cover in the course:
COS / Standard Objective1.0 / Describe responsibilities of various personnel involved in crime scene investigations.
2.1 / Distinguish between physical and witness evidence.
1.1
2.0 / Explain how to search, sketch, and record data from a crime scene.
Explain ways to collect and preserve evidence from a crime scene
2.2
2.3 / Compare the three main pattern types that combine to form an individual’s unique fingerprint
Explain different methods of latent fingerprint development
10.0 / Describe techniques used to determine the validity of a document
2.5 / Describe ways to identify hair, fiber, and blood evidence.
(hair and fiber analysis and comparison)
2.5 / Describe ways to identify hair, fiber, and blood
(soil and glass analysis and comparison)
2.5 / Describe ways to identify hair, fiber, and blood
(other trace evidence analysis)
Review for Final Exam
Final Exam will be given here
AHSGE
2.4
3.0 / Identify origins of impressions , including footwear and tire treads
Distinguish between class and individual characteristics of firearms
4.0
9.0
9.1
9.2 / Describe presumptive and confirmatory tests
Use laws of physics to explain forensic evidence.
Analyzing blood splatter patterns in relation to speed, height, and direction
Tracking trajectories of collected evidence
5.0
5.1 / Describe the importance of genetic information to forensics
Use the process of gel electrophoresis to identify patterns in DNA
8.0 / Describe general categories of drugs and poisons and their effects on humans (Drugs)
Describe general categories of drugs and poisons and their effects on humans (Drugs)
Spring Break
8.0
8.1 / Describe general categories of drugs and poisons and their effects on humans. (poisons and toxins)
Explain ways poisons are detected at autopsy
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3 / Describe the decomposition process.
Using rigor mortis to determine corpse position
Identifying decomposition by-products to determine cause of death
Using entomological life cycles to determine time of death
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3 / Describe the decomposition process.
Using rigor mortis to determine corpse position
Identifying decomposition by-products to determine cause of death
Using entomological life cycles to determine time of death
7.0
7.1
7.2 / Identify the importance of skeletal remains in forensics
Compare bones and skulls based on age, sex, and race
Using forensic dentistry to establish identity
7.0
7.1
7.2 / Identify the importance of skeletal remains in forensics
Compare bones and skulls based on age, sex, and race
Using forensic dentistry to establish identity
Review for Final Exam
Final Exam will be given here
Students will be able to read and interpret line, bar, and pie graphs.
All topics listed will be discussed. However, the order is subject to change.
Adjustments for AHSGE and other activities will be incorporated as they are scheduled!
Safety Contract for Science Classrooms
1. Do not eat or drink in the science laboratory and always wash your hands after performing experiments.
2. Control hair and loose clothing and wear approved eye protection during all chemical experiments and when working with liquids. Wear laboratory aprons and gloves as directed by your teacher.
3. Know the location of the eye wash, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket, and know how to use them.
4. Do only those experiments authorized by the teacher.