2007-2008                                                                               Fontbonne Hall Academy

Forensic Science                                                                    Trimester III

Mrs. Marian Skabeikis                                                         Study Guide 15

 

Firearms, Toolmarks and Other Impressions

 

Trimester III: Cycle 2

 

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. Firearms:
    • Bullet Comparisons
    • Cartridge Cases
    • Automated Firearm Search Systems
    • Gunpowder Residues
    • Serial Numbers
    • Collection & Preservation of Evidence

Text: pp. 432 – 454

 

 

Class Activity: Forensics CD, Ch. 6, “Ballistics”

 

Ballistics

History of Firearms ID

Firearms Tutorial

Review the lessons on the website, then the class will take the quiz.

 

Class Activity:

Firearms ID

 

How did the group perform as a whole?

 

Homework: What is the Griess Test? How did it contribute to the verdict in the case described in Tell Tale Bullet: American Chemical Society

2.  Toolmarks & Other Impressions

Text: pp. 454 -- 463

ATF

Review Questions:

pp. 464 -- 465

Review the CSI Case “Who Shot Sherlock”? CSI Episode 115

How did the CSI team untimately solve the case? What errors were made?

Laboratory:

Ballistics; Forensic Detectives

 

Exam: Last meeting, Cycle 3, with Document & Voice Examinations
Grading Policy

Written examinations and tests: 40%

Laboratory exercises: 40%

Homework and other assignments: 20%