2007-2008                                                                               Fontbonne Hall Academy

Forensic Science                                                                    Trimester III

Mrs. Marian Skabeikis                                                         Study Guide 14

 

Fingerprints

 

Trimester III: Cycle 1

 

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. History of Fingerprinting

Text: pp. 406 – 408

 

Class Activity: Forensics CD, Ch. 5, “Fingerprints”

History of Fingerprints

 

 

 2. Fundamental Principles of Fingerprints:

·        Individual

·        Unchanging for Life

·        Ridge Patterns for Systematic Classification

Text: pp. 408 -- 413

Facts about Fingerprints

Are fingerprints inherited? Use this site and your readings to answer this question!

3. Classification

·        Primary

·        Automated ID Systems

Text: pp. 413 – 416

FBI - AFIS

 

CSI and other police/crime dramas often have technicians going to the computer to check fingerprints. Go to the Fingerprints - FAQ link and find out how fingerprints are used and identified in most working police departments.

4. Methods of Detection

Text: pp. 417 – 424

Latent Prints

DNA from Fingerprints was published on July 31, 2005. What are the implications of this technique, particularly regarding Daubert Challenges?

5. Preservation & Digital Imaging

Text: pp. 425 -- 430

Taking Legible Fingerprints - FBI

Review Questions:

pp. 430 – 431

 

Laboratory:

Fingerprint Analysis

Latent Prints and Fuming

 

 

Exam: Last meeting, Cycle 1
Grading Policy

Written examinations and tests: 40%

Laboratory exercises: 40%

Homework and other assignments: 20%