Forensic Science
Course Description
Forensic science is the science that examines evidence and solves crimes for presentation in a court of law. This course is designed to introduce high school students to not only the various facets of the major sciences, but also apply Math, English, Social Studies, Psychology, Processing Skills, and Technology to everyday applications of forensic science. The students will learn to collect and analyze evidence in the areas of fingerprinting, blood types, hair, fibers, toxicology, tool marks, DNA analysis, forensic anthropology, ballistics, and much more.
Course Objectives
For most units, students (in groups) will be presented with a type of evidence to collect or analyze. Then students will complete the following steps:
1) Discuss and hypothesize the best method for handling the problem
2) Write and run an experiment of their own design where they will test their hypothesis.
3) Read and analyze the most recent techniques used to solve the problem.
4) Write and run an experiment that incorporates their research with the results of their first experiment.
5) Present their results to the other groups.
Pre Requirements:
Grade of C or better in a one-year life science course and a grade of C or better in a one-year physical science course. Juniors and Seniors may take the physical science course concurrently with the approval of the Forensic Science Teacher.
Grading Scale (no curve system used):
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-59 F