objective: class overview, drills and other first day stuff warm-up: complete student info sheet
TRANSCRIPT
INTRO TO FORENSIC SCIENCE
Objective:Class overview , drills and other first day stuff
Warm-Up:Complete Student Info Sheet
1/22/14
Let’s see what you’ve got!A man lives on the twelfth floor of an apartment building. Every morning he takes the elevator down to the lobby and leaves the building. In the evening, he gets into the elevator, and, if there is someone else in the elevator -- or if it was raining that day -- he goes back to his floor directly. Otherwise, he goes to the tenth floor and walks up two flights of stairs to his apartment. WHY?
Solution
The man is a dwarf. He can't reach the upper elevator buttons, but he can ask people to push them for him. He can also push them with his umbrella
What is Forensic Science?
-the study and application of science to matters of law.
Sometimes also called criminalistics
Branches of Forensics Science Ballistics Foren. Odontology Foren. Pathology Foren. Entomology Foren. Palynology Foren. Polygraphy
Common Tools of the trade
Television shows such as CSI and its many spin-offs have popularized forensic investigation and made the general public aware of the importance of those who investigate crime scenes scientifically. While actual methods might not always be true, forensic scientists still employ a variety of tools to help determine factors of a crime where it took place
CSI effect: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3495060.htm
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-csi-effect-analyzed/
Common tools of the tradeBlood Testing Blood testing kits are one of the older and more common forensic science
tools. When added to a benzidine/water solution, blood scrapings turn it pink, and when antigens are added to the blood, forensic scientists can determine blood type through the reaction that occurs
Comparison Microscope Comparison microscopes are important when forensic scientists look into
firearm-related homicides. They make it possible to look at and compare two bullets up close.
Neutron Activation Analyzer A neutron activation analyzer is used when forensic scientists study bullet
shards. They are able to find the metallic makeup of a piece of bullet to compare it with bullets found on suspects in the case.
Drug Analyzers Two tools are commonly used to identify the component of illegal drugs:
the mass spectrometer and the gas chromatograph. These tools are helpful in tracking down the sources of drugs.
Thin Layer Chromatography Thin layer chromatography helps to identify the unique factors in colored
fibers, which can be found when breaking down the components of the dyes used to color them.
Skills needed to be a forensic scientist
Forensic scientists must have at minimum the skills of mathematicians, biologists, chemists and public speakers. They can be called upon to use virtually all of these in the course of solving a case.
Skills needed to be a forensic scientistNot Squeamish
The ability to be around dead people is a must. Also, forensic scientists can't be reluctant to dig through garbage or dirty laundry.
Speak to the People Being able to explaining evidence to a jury in plain language is very
important.Organized They must be organized and time efficient because there is never just one
case to handle. Academically The forensic scientist usually has a degree in mathematics or one of the
sciences, or sometimes both. Teach Others The forensic scientist must be able to teach the police and other people
collecting and handling evidence at a crime scene how to do it properly. Logical Thinking It is important to be able to think through the evidence logically to reach a
conclusion. Working With Others Being a team player is a necessary skill as well. The scientist will likely have
assistants and work with law enforcement officers to build a case.
Using the scientific method to solve crimes
Get with a partner and see if you can remember the steps of the scientific method
HINT (There are 5 steps!)
Scientific Method
1. Observing/Identifying a problem 2. Hypothesis 3. Examine or test hypothesis 4. Collect Results 5. Analyze data and form conclusion
How does this relate to solving a murder?