Mr. Joe Ferguson Email: joe.ferguson@lephigh.org Website: www.joereno.weebly.

com School Phone: (503) 254-2537 Cell Phone: (775) 354-7705

SYLLABUS
Subject: Forensic Science
Course Description:

2011-2012 School Year

Course Title:

Forensic Science 1&2

Grade Level(s): 9+

The course features investigation of interdisciplinary topics through the perspective of forensic science. The emphasis of this course will be on the nature of the scientific process and inquiry in forensic
science; an engaging and emerging science discipline. Topics will include the nature of scientific inquiry, the nature, history, and techniques involved in forensic investigation, crime scene analysis, forensic biology, chemistry, physics, the psychology of the criminal, and legal issues involved in forensic science. Engaging learning opportunities will be provided to stimulate comprehension, retention and a sense of valuing the topics studied. Inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, standards-driven, concept-oriented, hands-on learning activities will be used whenever possible. Cooperation and team-work are major components of this course. Course content is centered on Conley Natural Science Standards in biology, chemistry, and physics and will prepare students to major in fields of the natural sciences. Additionally, course content and application is centered on Leadership Standards from the National Alliance for Secondary Education and Transition and Entrepreneurship Standards by the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education. Coursework will be planned to insure that students reach or exceed LEP High and Oregon State Standards and are prepared for college.

Priority Science Content Standards for Forensic Science:

A. Successful students understand the steps that make up the scientific method. These students are able to observe, hypothesize, test and revise and they know the difference between a hypothesis and a theory. They: A.1 design and conduct scientific investigations during which they formulate and test hypotheses. A. Successful students understand the scientific enterprise. They: A.2 know ways in which science and society influence each other. A.3 understand that science involves different types of work in many different disciplines. A.5 understand that a host of perplexing new problems is generated by our societys new powers. A.6 know that technology is the systematic use of materials, energy, and information to design, build, maintain and operate devices, processes and systems with a goal of serving individual and societal human needs. A.7 understand that interactions between science and technology have led to refined tools. A. Successful students know the general structure and function of cells. They: A.2 know the importance of both water and the element carbon to cells, and further understand that cells have four important types of macromolecules that are each different in chemical properties and have specific functions in cells. A.3 understand that both unity and diversity exist among cells. A.4. know that while all cells share basic features, there are different types of cells. A.5 know that within multicellular organisms there are different types of cells and that these cells perform

different functions for the organism. A.7 understand the process of cell division, particularly as those processes relate to production of new cells and to passing on genetic information between generations. A.8 know that in eukaryotic cells, the organization of DNA into chromosomes is the key to both duplication and distribution of the genetic information to new cells or organisms. B. Successful students understand genetic principles that guide the inheritance of biological traits. They: B.2 know the chemical and structural properties of DNA in heredity and protein synthesis. B.3 understand how recombinant DNA technology allows scientists to analyze the structure and function of genes. C. Successful students understand the organization and classification of living systems. They: C.1 know that multicellular organisms have a variety of specialized cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems that each perform specialized functions. D. Successful students understand concepts of biological change and the evolution of species. They: D.1 know how DNA and protein sequences are used to infer evolutionary relationships among organisms. A. Successful students understand concepts of energy. They: A.1 understand the relationship between heat and temperature. A.2 understand the conservation of energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics and understand that energy must be transferred via work or heat. A.4 understand the distinction between kinetic and potential energy. A.5 understand how energy can be transferred from one form to another. B. Successful students understand motion and the principles that explain motion. They: B.1 understand Newtons laws as a classical description of motion. C. Successful students know the kinds of forces that exist between objects. They: C.1 understand general concepts related to gravitational force. E. Successful students understand concepts related to matter and its properties. They: E.1 know what mass is and how it differs from weight and inertia. F. Successful students understand basic laws. They: F.1 know conservation laws of energy, mass, and momentum. Priority Leadership Standards for Forensic Science: 3.1 Youth acquire the skills, behaviors, and attitudes that enable them to learn and grow in selfknowledge, social interaction, and physical and emotional health. 3.1.4 Youth develop interpersonal skills, including communication, decision-making, assertiveness, and peer refusal skills, and have the ability to create healthy relationships. 3.1.5 Youth interact with peers and have a sense of belonging. 3.1.6 Youth participate in a variety of teamwork and networking experiences. 3.2 Youth understand the relationship between their individual strengths and desires and their future goals, and have the skills to act on that understanding. 3.2.1 Youth develop ethical values and reasoning skills. 3.2.2 Youth develop individual strengths. 3.2.3 Youth demonstrate the ability to set goals and develop a plan. 3.3 Youth have the knowledge and skills needed to practice leadership and participate in community life. 3.3.4. Youth engage in experiential learning and have opportunities for genuine leadership, taking primary responsibility for developing plans, carrying out decisions, and solving problems. 3.4 Youth demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions for themselves. 3.4.1 Youth practice self-management and responsible decision-making that reflects healthy choices. Priority Entrepreneurship Standards for Forensic Science: A. Entrepreneurial Processes Discovery A.01 Explain the need for entrepreneurial discovery

A.06 Describe idea-generation methods B. Entrepreneurial Traits / Behaviors Leadership B.02 Demonstrate responsible behavior B.06 Recognize others efforts B.07 Lead others using positive statements Personal Assessment B.14 Determine interests Personal Management B.17 Maintain positive attitude B.21 Demonstrate problem-solving skills B.24 Use time-management principles B.27 Demonstrate creativity D. Communications and Interpersonal Skills Fundamentals of Communication D.02 Apply effective listening skills D.03 Use proper grammar and vocabulary D.08 Make oral presentations D.11 Write informational messages D.12 Write inquiries D.14 Prepare simple written reports D.15 Prepare complex written reports D.16 Use communications technologies / systems Staff Communications D.17 Follow directions D.19 Give directions for completing job tasks Group Working Relationships D.25 Foster positive working relationships D.26 Participate as a team member Dealing with Conflict D.27 Demonstrate self-control E. Digital Skills Computer Applications E.11 Demonstrate basic search skills on the web E.12 Evaluate credibility of internet resources E.14 Communicate by computer H. Professional Development Career Planning H.01 Evaluate career opportunities based on current / future economy H.04 Select and use sources of career information H.05 Determine tentative occupational interest J. Human Resource Management Organizing J.02 Develop job descriptions J.04 Organize work / projects for others J.05 Delegate responsibility for job tasks Morale / Motivation J.16 Exhibit leadership skills J.17 Encourage team building Assessment J.23 Provide feedback on work efforts

K. Information Management Technology K.09 Demonstrate writing / publishing applications K.10 Demonstrate presentation applications K.11 Demonstrate database applications K.12 Demonstrate spreadsheet applications

Science is an interdisciplinary field of study. In this course, content standards in mathematics, literacy, social studies, art, and technology, will also often be addressed to ensure the richness, relevance, and robustness of each topic of study. A complete listing of interdisciplinary content standards covered in each lesson /unit will be available for review upon request. Schedule of Topics / Units Covered in Forensic Science 1: Week / Dates Monday - Friday Course Introduction. Class Expectations. What is Forensics? The Scientific Method. 1) Sept. 6-9 2) Sept. 12-16 Forensic Science Specialists. Crime Scene and Eyewitness Basics. 3) Sept. 19-23 Eyewitness Reporting and Memory. The Art of Crime Detection. Evidence. 4) Sept. 26-30 Crime Scene Photography and Evidence Collection. Making Observations. 5) Oct. 3-7 Fingerprint Basics, Analysis, Lab, and Fingerprints Challenge. 6) Oct. 10-13 Physical Evidence Types. Hairs and Fibers, Impressions, Tools and Tires. 7) Oct. 17-21 Substance Identification. Chromatography. Spectroscopy. Glass Composition. 8) Oct. 24-28 Blood Basics, Blood Typing, Blood Spatter. 9) Oct.31-Nov.4 Forensic Entomology. Bones and Forensic Anthropology. 10) Nov. 7-10 Toxicology and Urinalysis. Teeth, Dental Records, and Bite Marks. 11) Nov.14-18 DNA Basics, Fingerprinting, Paternity Testing. Review for Final Exam. 12) Nov.21-22 Final Exam. 13) Nov.28-29 Intersession. Schedule of Topics / Units Covered in Forensic Science 2: Week / Dates Monday Friday 1) Dec. 1-2 Course intro / class expectations. Review Forensic Science 1. 2) Dec. 5-9 More DNA. Structure and Functions, Gel Electrophoresis, Labs. 3) Dec. 12-16 Soils Analysis. Collisions. Force, Mass, Acceleration. Collision Reconstruction. 4) Jan. 3-6 Ballistics. Firearms, Shells, Trajectories. Linking Victims to Shooters & Guns. 5) Jan. 9-13 Forgeries, Framing and Falsifying Evidence. Handwriting. 6) Jan. 17-20 Food Forensics. Epidemiology. Food Born Illnesses. 7) Jan. 23-27 Arson and Fire Science. Forensics and Burnt Evidence. Story Reconstruction. 8) Jan.30-Feb.3 Digital Forensics. The Legal System, Litigation and Sentencing. 9) Feb. 6-10 Psychology of the Criminal. Establishing Motive. Serial Killers and Arsonists. 10) Feb. 13-17 Review all Forensic Techniques to Prepare for Crime Scene Lab. 11) Feb. 21-24 Crime Scene Lab. Collecting Evidence and Analyzing. Naming the Criminal. 12) Feb.27-Mar.2 Review for Final Exam. 13) Mar. 5-9 Final Exam. Intersession. 14) Mar. 12 Last day of Intersession. Differentiation / Accessibility Strategies and Support Accommodations will be made by the teacher to allow all students to learn. These may include, but are not limited to, flexible grouping, tiered lessons, depth and complexity extensions, the 4

Socratic method, rate and level curricular adjustments, diverse questioning strategies. Essential skills to be taught and assessed Read and comprehend Write clearly and accurately Listen actively and speak clearly Apply mathematics Think critically Personal management and teamwork Use technology Civic and Community Engagement Global Literacy
Assessment / Evaluation / Grading Policy Grades will be based on the students demonstrated understanding of the standards. I will make myself available daily to help students who are experiencing difficulty or who need to make up missed assignments. Students are encouraged to see me to discuss any issues that concern them. Expect between 15 and 45 minutes of homework each school day. I will try to make an effort to minimize homework. However, we have a lot of material to get through so it is important to make the most of our time together. If we dont finish all of our work during class some assignments may have to be completed at home. The grades for this class will be weighted toward exhibiting proficiency in the standards. The breakdown is as follows: Content Standards 40% Preparedness / Participation 20% Class Work and Homework 20% Tests / Quizzes 20% Proficiency Grading Grades are not final until the end of the trimester. The minimum requirement to earn academic credit for the course is AE (Approaching Expectations). If a student receives a final grade of NP Needs Improvement or No Evidence, she/he will retake the class. Make Up & Late Work It is very important to come to every class. The nature of the class is such that it is often very difficult to make up missed classes (i.e. class activities, discussions, presentations, experiments, group projects, etc.) If you miss class, it is entirely possible that your grade will be affected. I understand that things happen and I am more than willing to help you make up missed assignments. Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) classes will be utilized to their full potential. This is a wonderful and valuable tool with which we can work together to ensure your success in this class. In addition, I have created and maintain my own teacher website. Please visit Grading Scale: EE = Exceeding Expectations (100%-90%, A) ME = Meeting Expectations (90%-80%, B) AE = Approaching Expectations (80%-70%, C) NP = Needs Improvement, work is not at an acceptable level for gaining credit (<70%, F, no credit earned) NP = No Evidence, not attempted at all, no basis for judging students work (low percentage, F, no credit earned)

www.joereno.weebly.com to access instructions for assignments, news, homework, missed notes, and the school calendar. Behavioral Expectations 1. Be respectful of everyone in the class. 2. You are not allowed to interfere with other peoples opportunity to learn. 3. Always try to be positive and constructive. 4. Ask questions. 5. Do your best! ATTENDANCE: It is expected that students will be present at every class. TARDINESS: Please come to class on time. If you are tardy please go directly to the office for a pass to class. Then come in quietly, and wait to get the information you missed, so as not to disturb the class any more than necessary. HALL PASSES: Please use them sparingly. You have time before class and during lunch to get snacks and beverages and to go to the bathroom. If you legitimately need to use the hall pass, please ask. RULES: It is my philosophy that every student has the right to a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and free from unnecessary disruptions. It is each student's responsibility to behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights of all members of the class. CONSEQUENCES: In the event that a student's absences, tardiness, or behavior become a problem the following consequences will be implemented: 1. Conference with the student. 2. Call the student's parent or guardian. 3. Refer the student to the appropriate administrator or counselor. Please refer to the student handbook for detailed policy regarding tardiness and absence. CHEATING: Do your own work! In this class we do a lot of work in groups and working together is encouraged. That being said, copying someone elses work word for word, or letting someone copy your work is cheating. You wont get credit for it. Your objective should be to learn the material, and copying does not help do this. You are mostly graded on what you learn. A Word About Technology Science is about technology. After all, we humans have sought to utilize what we discover about our world for work and play, and continually depend upon advancing our knowledge for our health, wellbeing, and longevity. I am constantly amazed and inspired by our technological achievements. This includes the wonderfully complex little devices we simplistically refer to as cell phones. I will occasionally schedule the use of personal electronic devices during class as part of our study of science. That being said, I will not allow your personal electronics to interfere with your learning or with others. If I notice the inappropriate use of your favorite electronic device during class, I will ask you once to put it away. If the problem persists, per handbook policy, it will be confiscated and taken to the office. Last But Not Least If you have any questions or concerns, please come and talk to me. I cannot stress enough the importance of communication. The ability to communicate your needs and concerns in a positive, constructive way is a skill which will serve you well for your entire life! You will find me to be a respectful listener and dedicated guide in helping to find a solution. Looking forward to a wonderful year together! Mr. Joe

Fall 2011 - Forensic Science 1 Syllabus - return page 10 pts

Please copy down the following information in your class notebook or add to your Contacts on your cell phone or computer. I welcome parent/student contact on my cell phone. I also receive and send text messages. Mr. Joe Ferguson joe.ferguson@lephigh.org (775) 354-7705

Student Acknowledgement: I, ___________________________________, have read and understood this syllabus and agree to do my best to meet the expectations of my teacher. Student -Cell Phone: _______________________________________________________ Student -Email: ____________________________________________________________ Preferred form of contact (circle one or more): Text Phone Call Email

Student Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _____________

Parent Acknowledgement: Parent/Guardian- Phone: ___________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian-Email: ____________________________________________________ Preferred form of contact (circle one or more): Text Phone Call Email

Parents/Guardians: Use the space below to let me know any other information you would like me to have, such as bad times to call, other helpful household members to contact, preferred language at home, etc. Leave blank if none. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Parent signature below lets me know that you have read the syllabus and awards your student the first work ethic points of the term. Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________ Date: __________

Thank you!