Mrs. Morgan

Forensics is the application of science to criminal activity for the purpose of discovery. This course is about how, why, and where to examine evidence in order to get the most pertinent information from a crime scene. The main part of the course details many of the more popular topics in forensic chemistry: glass, soil, fingerprints, hair, fiber, blood and DNA typing, handwriting and shoe prints. Students will learn and practice how each type of evidence is discovered and processed.

Daily Participation: (25%)

Daily Participation:

At the end of each school week, each student will be assigned a grade for his or her participation during the past week. Participation in class is defined as the following:

• Attendance of the entire period each and every day of the week-NO TARDIES-it is impossible to participate if you are not in attendance
• A good faith effort on each and every assignment while in class
• Presentation of make-up work to the instructor within the permitted time of an excused absence
• Students who finish work during class time are expected to check their work, help other students, and review concepts related to the class
• Safe and honest participation in all class activities (lecture, labs, projects, demonstrations, etc.)

Assessment Grades: (75%)

Quizzes:

Occasionally there will be announced quizzes.

Science Class Portfolio:

Each student will be expected to keep an organized portfolio of class handouts, and assignments. The portfolio should contain an accurate table of contents and is expected to be neat and organized. A running list of assignments will be posted in the classroom. In addition, each student will have a returned work folder located in the classroom.. You should maintain the organization of your portfolio on a daily basis. This portfolio will be evaluated at progress report and end of trimester for an assessment grade.

Tests:

There will be 3 to 6 tests during the trimester which may be paper and pencil or practical, hands on. NO TEST GRADES WILL BE DROPPED.

Labs:

This class is mostly hands on and will consist of many lab activities. Lab grades will count as assessment grades. Most labs will require a formal lab report in your lab book, which will count as an assessment grade each. Lab books will be throughout the trimester. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with their write-ups and labs.

Writing Assignments:

There will be writing assignments during the trimester. Some will be recorded as daily grades while others will be recorded as assessment grades. You will be informed at the time of the assignment.

Movie Journal:

Approximately one day a week will be devoted to a video and discussion of a certain crime of a certain criminal. You will be expected to keep a few notes (about a page) and a journal in your lab book about each video.

Movie/Book Write-ups:

Each grading period you will be expected to watch at least two movies, two television shows, or read a book related to forensic chemistry and write a report about each. You will receive specific instructions on what these reports should contain.

Final:

A comprehensive final will be given to all students. The final assessment will comprise 20% of your grade for the class. The final will consist of both a practical evaluation and written evaluation.