INTRO TO FORENSIC SCIENCE

Objective:Class overview , drills and other first day stuff

Warm-Up:Complete Student Info Sheet

1/22/14

Let’s see what you’ve got!A man lives on the twelfth floor of an apartment building. Every morning he takes the elevator down to the lobby and leaves the building. In the evening, he gets into the elevator, and, if there is someone else in the elevator -- or if it was raining that day -- he goes back to his floor directly. Otherwise, he goes to the tenth floor and walks up two flights of stairs to his apartment. WHY?

Solution

The man is a dwarf. He can't reach the upper elevator buttons, but he can ask people to push them for him. He can also push them with his umbrella

What is Forensic Science?

-the study and application of science to matters of law.

Sometimes also called criminalistics

Branches of Forensics Science Ballistics Foren. Odontology Foren. Pathology Foren. Entomology Foren. Palynology Foren. Polygraphy

Common Tools of the trade

Television shows such as CSI and its many spin-offs have popularized forensic investigation and made the general public aware of the importance of those who investigate crime scenes scientifically. While actual methods might not always be true, forensic scientists still employ a variety of tools to help determine factors of a crime where it took place

CSI effect: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2012/s3495060.htm

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-csi-effect-analyzed/

Common tools of the tradeBlood Testing Blood testing kits are one of the older and more common forensic science

tools. When added to a benzidine/water solution, blood scrapings turn it pink, and when antigens are added to the blood, forensic scientists can determine blood type through the reaction that occurs

Comparison Microscope Comparison microscopes are important when forensic scientists look into

firearm-related homicides. They make it possible to look at and compare two bullets up close.

Neutron Activation Analyzer A neutron activation analyzer is used when forensic scientists study bullet

shards. They are able to find the metallic makeup of a piece of bullet to compare it with bullets found on suspects in the case.

Drug Analyzers Two tools are commonly used to identify the component of illegal drugs:

the mass spectrometer and the gas chromatograph. These tools are helpful in tracking down the sources of drugs.

Thin Layer Chromatography Thin layer chromatography helps to identify the unique factors in colored

fibers, which can be found when breaking down the components of the dyes used to color them.

Skills needed to be a forensic scientist

Forensic scientists must have at minimum the skills of mathematicians, biologists, chemists and public speakers. They can be called upon to use virtually all of these in the course of solving a case.

Skills needed to be a forensic scientistNot Squeamish

The ability to be around dead people is a must. Also, forensic scientists can't be reluctant to dig through garbage or dirty laundry.

Speak to the People Being able to explaining evidence to a jury in plain language is very

important.Organized They must be organized and time efficient because there is never just one

case to handle. Academically The forensic scientist usually has a degree in mathematics or one of the

sciences, or sometimes both. Teach Others The forensic scientist must be able to teach the police and other people

collecting and handling evidence at a crime scene how to do it properly. Logical Thinking It is important to be able to think through the evidence logically to reach a

conclusion. Working With Others Being a team player is a necessary skill as well. The scientist will likely have

assistants and work with law enforcement officers to build a case.

Using the scientific method to solve crimes

Get with a partner and see if you can remember the steps of the scientific method

HINT (There are 5 steps!)

Scientific Method

1. Observing/Identifying a problem 2. Hypothesis 3. Examine or test hypothesis 4. Collect Results 5. Analyze data and form conclusion

How does this relate to solving a murder?