Jemison High School
Forensic Science Syllabus
2016-2017
Teacher: Mrs. Lampley-Moultry
Location: 1227
Block: 2nd
I. Course Description and Rationale
The purpose of this course is for students to gain experience in the major investigative techniques currently used by forensic scientists and crime scene investigators, and to develop an understanding of the scientific concepts which serve as the basis for these techniques.
Students will learn Laboratory skills needed to utilize the scientific method, as well as become proficient in reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. At the end of this course, students should be able to use methods of science to discover their own answers to scientific questions.
II. Course Topics
Overview
Crime Scene
Physical Evidence
Properties of Matter and the Analysis of Glass
Drugs
Toxicology
The Microscope, Forensic Serology
DNA
Blood Stain
Trace Evidence
Fire Investigation
Fingerprints
Firearms
III. Learning Objectives
· Learn a basic understanding of the branches of Forensic Science and its applications in society.
·Identify case studies to gain knowledge of forensic techniques and terminology
·Collect and categorize evidence and data
·Examine data and evidence
·Learn keen observational skills
·Use observations and evidence to analyze crime scenarios
·Create comprehensive scientific reports
·Recognize careers which are related to forensic science
·Learn from and make connections with community members (detectives, arson investigator, print specialist, medical examiner) and local colleges
·Develop the ability to listen intently and speak confidently
·Investigate computer simulations and relate them to real world applications
·Enhance their intellectual curiosity and personal integrity
IV. Textbooks and Materials
A. NAME OF COURSE: Forensic Science
B. REFERENCES: Forensic Science textbook, Richard Saferstein, science articles; science reference books, multimedia resources.
C. Materials: 3 ring notebook, pen, pencil, laptop
V. Instructional Methods
During this class I will demonstrate various levels of instruction. I plan to use power point presentations, cooperative group activities, oral question and answer sessions, demonstrations, note taking, books, role-playing, pictures and videos.
VI. Evaluation and Grade Assignment
OUTLINE HOW YOU PLAN TO GRADE YOUR COURSE.
A test will be given for each unit of study. This test may be a written exam or a performance, depending on what we are studying. The final exam for Forensic Science will be cumulative over the entire semester’s work. This final exam will be worth 20% of your course grade. The final grade will be made up of the following:
Nine Week Grading Practices:
60% Summative Assessment which includes performance based assessments, labs, projects, and writing assessment, all of which directly reflect course standards.
40% In-Class assignments that directly reflect course standards/ Homework- assignments that reinforce daily standards and/or introduce standards.
In Class Performances:
Enrolled students must be dedicated to independent study. The classroom experience will include a lecture portion as well as laboratory experiences. However, to cover all required topics, intense personal study time is required. Additionally, all students are expected to complete all assignments.
Notebook:
Each student will keep a notebook in this class. The notebook should have paper and 8 dividers labeled: Notes, Papers/Assignments, Do Now, and Reflections, etc. Notebooks will be checked periodically throughout the semester, so please be responsible with your notebook.
ASSIGNMENT FORMAT:
Students must write in cursive in pencil or blue or black ink.
Students must use the following format for all assignment headings:
(Top right corner of page): Student Name
Date
Class Period
Teacher Name
Title of Assignment (centered)
VII. Policies
A. School Wide Expectations
1. Our students are READY.
In class before the bell rings
Learning begins when the students ENTER the classroom.
Students will begin the DO NOW immediately.
We will observe the 10-10 Rule.
SLANT
S – Sit up.
L – Listen.
A – Ask questions.
N – Note key information.
T – Track the speaker.
2. Our students are RESPONSIBLE.
Have tools for school: LAPTOP, CHARGER, PAPER, and PENCIL.
THE LAPTOP MUST BE CHARGED.
Have homework and assignments in class.
Study before class.
Students will receive 4 “Take Care of Business” passes per class per semester. When all of the passes have been used, in order to leave the room, security will escort the student to his/her destination. No passes are redeemable during the first nor last ten minutes of the class.
3. Our students are RESPECTFUL.
No cell phone use in the classroom.
Respect for property, for self, and for others.
Proper digital citizenship is exercised.
THINK before you speak.
T – Is it true?
H – Is it helpful?
I – Is it inspiring?
N – Is it necessary?
K – Is it kind?
4. Our students are RESILIENT.
SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL; FAILURE IS NOT FATAL.
G – GROWTH
R – RELYING ON
I – INTENTIONAL
T - TENACITY
B. Classroom Policies/Procedures
1. Attendance:
Refer to the school code of conduct
2. Hall Pass Policy:
· Each student will receive 4 passes for the semester per class. Once they have exhausted the allotment of passes per class, teachers must call the office for an escort for the students every time they need to use the restroom.
· 10/10 Rule
3. Discipline Policy:
Refer to the school code of conduct
4. Make –up work Procedure:
Attendance is required. If you must be absent, please follow this procedure.
Check the make-up work folder for your period. It is your responsibility to check this folder. YOURS….not mine!!! I abhor makeup work. This semester I will enforce a 5-schoolday limit for completing makeup work.
5. Trash Policy:
I can’t stand messiness!!! I would not come in your room and trash it, so, please, refrain from trashing my room. Please put your trash in the trash can. If you leave trash on the floor or on your desk, I will take a picture and you will be disciplined per the discipline policy.
6. Turning In/Giving Back Papers:
Turn in papers in your designated class period basket at the back of the room near my desk. I will ask a volunteer each day to check the basket on my desk and return papers. Please keep all of your papers in your notebook. With hundreds of papers to grade each semester, neither I, nor the computer, are above making mistakes in grading, so please keep everything. A check mark=100. Plus this gives you a way to keep track of your grades!! J
7. Transitioning to and from Groups:
During this class, we will work in groups! After all, two heads are better than one. Therefore, it is important that you know how to behave when going to and from your group. Please follow the policy below:
1. Wait for my signal-I will hold up my hand and wait for everyone to stop and look at me.
2. I will tell you to head to your group or back to your original seat.
3. At this time you will get up, and have 10 seconds to your destination (group seat or original seat) and get ready to work.
8. Transitioning out of the room
· When class is over, I will dismiss you, not the bell. Please make sure all of your books and materials are put away before you leave.
· If you must leave the room to use the restroom or see another teacher, please just raise your hand and wait on me to call on you. Do not walk out of the classroom. Walking out of the classroom warrants discipline issues. Make sure you get a pass and sign out and in.
9. Interruptions
· If you must speak about something, please A HAND AND A VOICE. I am only one person to many of you and I cannot speak over you all. If you need to say something, please raise your hand and I will let you speak.
· If you are called to the office, please make sure to get the hall pass and sign out and in.
· If there is a disaster drill, DO NOT PANIC!! Let’s please act like civilized people and conduct ourselves accordingly as we travel to our destination to get safe.
· If someone walks into the room, please, do not acknowledge them. I know they are coming. You should act as if they are invisible.
10. Cell Phones:
Do not use your cell phone in my class. We have brand new laptops to use for research, so there is no need for you to have your phone out. If I see it, it is mine!! Please follow the rules below:
o 1st offense – Get it back at the end of day
o 2nd offense - Parent must come pick it up at the end of the following day
o 3rd offense – Will be given back at Administrator’s discretion
KEEP THIS SYLLABUS IN THE FRONT OF YOUR NOTEBOOK AT ALL TIMES!!!!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I have read the syllabus and welcome letter and agree to abide by all classroom school, and district rules and policies.
Student:______Date: ______
Witness: ______Date: ______
I have read the syllabus and agree to encourage my student to follow all classroom, school, and district rules and policies. I agree to contact Mrs. Lampley-Moultry with any concerns I have about my student, and to work with Mrs. Lampley-Moultry to facilitate my student’s success.
Parent/Guardian: ______Date: ______