2007-2008                                                                               Fontbonne Hall Academy

Forensic Science                                                                    Trimester I

Mrs. Marian Skabeikis                                                         Study Guide 5

 

Physical Properties: Glass & Soil

Trimester I: Cycle 6-7

 

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.   The Metric System

Text: pp. 89 - 92

Measurement Review

Visit this site to review your metric values.

  1. Physical Properties

q       Temperature

q       Weight & Mass

q       Density

q       Refractive Index

Text:  pp. 92 - 99

Visit for review:

Physical Properties of Matter

How To: The Refractive Index

      3.  Comparing Glass     Fragments

Text: pp. 99 – 106

FBI: Analysis of Glass

For Discussion:

A child puts her finger into a glass of water. Her finger appears broken, yet when she removes it, her finger is straight. What happened?

      4.  Glass Fractures &              Preserving Evidence

Text: pp. 106 – 111

Evidence Collection

For Discussion:

The following link is the transcript of the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995.

OK City Bombing Trial Transcript

What was the first thought as to cause offered by the police officer in the courtroom? Based on your knowledge of forensics, how would you know this idea was incorrect when you visited the scene?

Laboratory:

Forensic Analysis of Glass

 

  1. Forensic Characteristics of Soil

Text: pp. 111 – 114

And these sites:

Devil in the Details: The Science of Forensic Geology

 

Forensic Geologists Uncover Evidence In Soil And Water
 

FBI Handbook: Soil Examinations

For Discussion:

In Chapter 2 of Conan Doyle’s “A Study in Scarlet”, Holmes relates splashes of mud to locations in London. How does the observation of this 19th century detective relate to modern forensics? What problems are inherent in soil geology?

  1. Collection Preservation of  Soil Evidence

Text: pp. 114 – 115

 

 

Review Questions:

Text, pp. 116-117

Laboratory:

Analysis of Minerals and Soils

 

Quiz: First meeting, Cycle 8

Grading Policy

Written examinations and tests: 40%

Laboratory exercises: 40%

Homework and other assignments: 20%