2007-2008                                                                               Fontbonne Hall Academy

Forensic Science                                                                    Trimester II

Mrs. Marian Skabeikis                                                         Study Guide 11

 

Arson & Explosions

Trimester II: Cycle 6

 

Text: Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, Richard Saferstein

 

New York State Learning Standards:

 

Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design: Students will use analysis, scientific inquiry and design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

Standard 2: Information Systems: Students will access, generate, process and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Standard 4: Science: Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories … and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Standard 5: Technology: Students will apply technical knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems.

Standard 6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes: Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect math, science and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.

Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving: Students will apply knowledge and thinking skills to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

 

 

Objectives:

Readings:

Assignments:

1. Chemistry of Fire                  

Text: pp. 296 -- 303

Arson & Explosives

 

Class Activity: Forensics CD, Ch. 8, “Explosives & Fire”

What factors must be present for a fire to burn? What is ignition temperature? How does rusting differ from burning when both combine a chemical substance with oxygen?

         2. Searching the Scene

·        Collecting and Preserving Evidence

·        Analysis of Flammable Residues

 

Text: pp. 303 -- 311

Arson Dogs

Case Studies

Fire Research Laboratory

What is substrate control? Why is it an important part of  arson scene investigation?

3.      Types of Explosives

·        Collection and Analysis of Explosives

Text: pp. 311 –324

TWA Flight 800

London Bombings

Review Questions:

pp. 324 –326

Ř      Based on your reading of the Case Study in your text and a look at the Wikipedia web site and links, explain why there is still controversy over the ruling about the cause of the explosion. What type of forensic evidence would have made the decision definitive?

Ř      What was the first proposed cause of the London explosions in July, 2005? What changed investigators’ point of view?

Laboratory:

Hunt for the Serial Arsonist (and video)

 

Exam: Last meeting, Cycle 6
Grading Policy

Written examinations and tests: 40%

Laboratory exercises: 40%

Homework and other assignments: 20%