Misc. Section
Course Syllabus – Forensics
Instructor: Ms Kinsey: Jkinsey@pway.org
Office Hours: After School Monday, Wednesday – Friday
I.
Phone: 732-981-0700
Room: 121 of the West Wing (Patton Wing)
How to Contact the Teacher:
Parents and students are encouraged to contact the teacher at any time, preferably by email: Jkinsey@pway.org
II.
Course Description:
A 2.5 credit, half year, elective course for students in grade 12. This forensic science course consists of a study for the
history of forensic science, the crime scene, use of the microscope, physical evidence including fingerprinting as well as
hair and fiber, forensic entomology, forensic anthropology, blood, semen and DNA fingerprinting. By stepping into the
role of the forensic scientist, students will learn and apply numerous scientific strategies and skills. Students will have a
hands-on opportunity to study this exciting field, thus exposing them to possible careers in criminal justice.
1st & 3rd Marking Period
2nd & 4th Marking Period
- Introduction to Forensic Science
- Physical Evidence
- The Crime Scene
- Biological Evidence
- The Microscope
- Physical Evidence
III. Daily Procedures:
CELL PHONES / ELECTRONICS / FOOD MUST BE PUT AWAY BEFORE ENTERING THE CLASSROOM
A. Immediately after entering room, pick up handouts from front table.
B. Sit in assigned seat
C. Place on your desk/table:
1. 3 Ring Binder, open to where we left off yesterday
2. Writing Tool
3. Assignment Pad: Record the homework for the day
D. Completed Homework: out and ready to be collected or checked
E. Check the front screen for DO NOW or further instructions
F. Raise your hand to ask questions or contribute to discussions. One person speaks at a time.
G. Remain seated until dismissed.
IV. Expectations of Student Performance:
A. Be on time and bring all materials to class every day: Your notebook, something to write with, your ambition.
You will need all these things every day, if you need to leave the classroom to go and get them, you may
receive a tardy.
B. Participate in class activities with other students in groups of various sizes as well as independently.
C. Behave in an acceptable manor that will not hamper the learning of yourself or others.
V.
How Instruction will be Delivered:
A.
B.
Lecture/discussion, group work, open-ended discussions and problem solving.
Hand on activities both in the lab and classroom.
VI. Course Assessment Plan:
A. Your grade will be determined on a point basis and will be based on your progress through the quarter as
measured by the following:
1) Daily Class Work & Homework - 10%
All Electronic Devices are to be put
2) Class Participation - 10%
away during class
3) Quizzes & Tests – 35%
4) Performance-based Labs - 25%*
– No Warnings! See Back
5) Projects – 10%*
6) Notebook – 10%*
* Loss of 10% for each day late
September 2015
Student’s name (printed) ________________________________________
Misc. Section
B. Since I consider mastery of information important, I will allow (and encourage) test retakes. Retakes must be
completed within four school days after the test is returned. I will take the highest grade. If you want to retake a test,
please let me know so we can set up a time. You must have your study guide completed in order to retake the test.
C. Homework assignments: You are required to do some of the work outside of class time. Homework assignments
may include: some take home reading (2 – 4 pages), completing questions from a lab activity, current events,
studying for tests, etc. Homework is due at the start of class and is NOT ACCEPTED LATE. Allowances may be
made if you attempted to do most of the assignment, but didn't understand a portion of it. In that case, see me for
help before class. You will need to explain what you were able to understand and what you didn’t.
D. You are required to maintain a notebook. This should be a 1" 3 ring binder with 8 tabs.
Notebook checks - students will be required to maintain a notebook and bring it to class every time. There
will be 5 notebook checks and will add up to a major portion of your grade.
E. If you have an excused absence and miss class, see me to set up make up work as soon as possible. It is YOUR
responsibility to make sure your missed work is made up! There is an “If You Missed Class book” in
the front of the classroom. The book will explain what you missed and the file will have the worksheets. If you miss
a class, EXPECT to have homework. You missed 60 minutes of class work; you will have to make up 60 minutes
worth of work. If you do not make up work, it will be counted as a 0. If you are absent on a day we do a lab, you
will need to find a way make up the lab.
F. Your grades will be handed out on a regular basis and are to be kept in your notebook. You can also access your
grades on Genesis.
G. Although attendance does not directly affect your grade, missed work and lack of involvement in the learning
environment will definitely lower your grade. You are advised to miss as little of class as possible.
H. There will be a weekly participation grade. Participation isn’t necessarily about answering questions in class, but
includes: being on time for class, being prepared at the beginning of class and being engaged in class lesson (as
opposed to coming late to class, talking to your neighbor, napping or having a cell phone out).
VII. Class Rules:
A. Respect my right to instruct. ** No unnecessary interruptions** Following teachers’ directions will provide an
enable all students to maximize their opportunity to learn. Misbehaviors will result in:
1) A warning, 2) Teacher Talk, 3) Call to Parents, 4) A referral to the office and a call to parents.
B. Respect your fellow student’s right to learn. ** Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated**
** Don't bother a working neighbor** BE KIND **
C. Respect the class room** No graffiti, vandalism or writing on desks**
D. There is to be no eating in the class room
E. Although student collaboration is encouraged in many cases, cheating is not acceptable. According to the
student handbook: CHEATING - BOE Policy 5131 Cheating is the use of inappropriate and unacknowledged
materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. The use of books, notes, certain informational websites,
calculators and conversation with others is restricted or forbidden in certain academic exercises. Their use in these cases
constitutes cheating.
Offense Levels: Parent notification  Short-term suspension  Community service  Loss of academic
credit
F. All Electronic devices are to be put away during class. According to the Student Handbook:
Cell Phone/Misuse of Electronic Devices (Definition: The unauthorized use electronic devices (phone, tablet,
etc. during instructional time).
First Offense: Parent notification  Item confiscated by teacher, given to student at end of class  ICE
Second Offense: Parent notification  Item confiscated, parent pick up required  2 day ICE  Community
service; Third Offense: Parent notification  Item confiscated, parent pickup required
Parents and Students: Please review this syllabus, especially the sections about teacher contact and assessment.
Student's signature: __________________________
September 2015
Parent's signature: ________________________
Student’s name (printed) ________________________________________