2007-2008                                                                               Fontbonne Hall Academy

Forensic Science                                                                    Trimester II

Mrs. Marian Skabeikis                                                         Study Guide 8

 

Hairs, Fibers and Paint

Trimester II: Cycle 3

 

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 structure of Hair and its use in evidence.

·        Morphology of hair

·        ID and comparison of Hair

·        Collection and Preservation of Hair Evidence

Text: pp. 194 – 205

NY Times on the Central Park Jogger

 

 

Class Activity: Forensics CD, Ch. 7, “Materials Analysis”

Explain how the hair evidence collected from the Central Park Jogger Case and the Cosby case led to their final dispositions.

2. Types of Fibers

·        Natural fibers

·        Man-made fibers

·        The Polymer

·        ID and comparison of fibers

·        Collection and Preservation of Fiber Evidence

Text: pp. 205 – 221

FBI Forensic Paint Analysis

In the Harlem Flower Box Case, the solution was based on the observation of witnesses and the presence of fibers. Without witnesses, could the case have been solved using fibers alone? Would witness testimony have been sufficient to convict?

3.  Forensic Examination of Paint

·        Collection and Preservation of Paint Evidence

Text: pp. 219 – 230

FBI Forensic Paint Analysis

Review Questions:

pp. 230- 231

How was trace evidence the “invisible witness” in the Manhattan murder case descried in the Case Reading (p. 226)?

Laboratory:

Hair, Fiber and Paint

 

Exam: Last meeting, Cycle 3
Grading Policy

Written examinations and tests: 40%

Laboratory exercises: 40%

Homework and other assignments: 20%