Forensics Course outline 2015-2016

Mr. Kaminsky

Email:

Phone:

Youtube page for review videos: search “teacher kaminsky”, then click Forensics

Web Site: (Very Important!)

I expect you to go to your google classroom. Go to classroom.google.com and enter code

UVAODYJ

This site will have all the classwork and homework assignments, lectures, and information you need for this class. Check this every day!

Materials for this class: (I expect you to have this every day you come to class)

* Pen or Pencil* Earbuds

* Binder (1” or 2”) * Chromebook (when you are assigned it.) * Thinking cap

Course Overview:

In Forensics, students conduct field and laboratory investigations about solving a crime scene. They implement scientific methods and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. This class will contain many project based assignments analyzing different types of evidence.

Units

1st Semester

1- Lab Safety and the Scientific Method

2- Introduction to Forensics

3- Crime Scene Investigation

4- Trace Evidence (Hair, fibers, paint and glass)

5- Firearms and tool marks

2nd Semester

6- Fingerprints

7- Forensic Biology (DNA)

8- Toxicology

9- Handwriting, ink, and paper analysis

10- Forensic Anthropology

When you enter class, do the following

Place bookbag with cell phone in the back lab table

Take out your chromebook or paper

Work on the Do Now on the board

In each 9 week period there will be 3 exams, 1 major project, at least 9 quizzes (1 per week), homework, and laboratory reports.

Exams/Projects = 35%

Quizzes = 25%

Lab reports and other assignments = 25%

Homework and participation = 15%

Midterm and Final = 20% of final grade

Exams

You will have an exam every 3 weeks that will consist of the material learned during those three weeks. You will have 3 tests every 9 week grading period.

Quizzes

You will have at least 1 quiz each week that are sequential and based on material learned during the week. You can redo low quiz grades by coming to tutoring. You will have 9 quizzes every 9 week grading period.

Homework

Homework will be assigned every monday and will be due that Friday. Check the google classroom for your homework assignments.

Classroom Expectations and consequences

I will show you the utmost respect while in class and I expect you to do the same. Remember the golden rule!

The following infractions will occur in a level 1 OFI (opportunity for improvement)

●excessive talking after redirection

●inappropriate use of cell phone or chromebook

●not following classroom procedures after redirection

●dress code violation (no hats or tattoos showing)

●minor incidents involving profanity

The following major infractions will result in a referral, see handbook for other offenses

●PDA

●Profanity directed towards peer or teacher

●Fighting

Backpacks & Books

All backpacks and books will be kept against a wall in the lab area. The reason for this is to keep the aisles clear and take away the temptation that will disrupt your learning. Take the things you need for the class to your desk.

Lab reports and other assignments

Understanding concepts in biology requires competence in successful laboratory work and assignments completed outside the classroom. All work assigned will be submitted to me by the due date. Late work will only be accepted until the following school day, and can receive up to 70% of the grade earned.

Tutoring

I will be available for tutoring/lecturing in the mornings (beginning at 8:00am) every day. Please watch the review video for the unit before coming to tutoring. After school tutoring is also available on request.

Name ______

Questions:

What steps do you take to get to my youtube page?

Where do you find the homework and how do you get to it?

What materials do you need for my class?

What 3 things do you do in the beginning of each class?

In each 9 week grading period how many exams will you have?

In each 9 week grading period how many quizzes will you have?

What day is homework due?

List some ways in which you can receive a level 1 ofi.

Where do backpacks and cell phones go?

When is tutoring available?

Other Questions:

How do you feel you learn best, by reading, writing, seeing, or a combination?

Imagine that you lost your keys, write down the steps you take to find your keys.

Write down something positive about yourself.