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FORENSIC SCIENCE
Course Website: www.steinkescience.wikispaces.com
Rebecca Steinke 503-543-6376 rsteinke@scappoose.k12.or.us
Welcome to Forensic Science
This class is a science elective that will meet .5 credits of the 1 credit needed to complete a third year of
science towards graduation. Students who take this class will engage in learning that will increase their
critical thinking skills based on inductive and deductive reasoning.
State Standards Met:
SC.CM.LS.02.04 Apply concepts of inheritance of traits, including Mendel’s laws, Punnett squares, and pedigrees, to
determine the characteristics of offspring.
SC.CM.LS.02.05 Recognize the existence of technology that can alter and/or determine inherited traits.
SC.CM.SI.01 Based on observations and scientific concepts ask questions or form hypotheses that can be answered
or tested through scientific investigations.
SC.CM.SI.03 Collect, organize and display sufficient data to facilitate scientific, analysis and interpretation.
SC.CM.SI.04 Summarize and analyze data, evaluating sources of error or bias. Propose explanations that are
supported by data and knowledge of scientific terminology.
College Readiness Standards Met:
A.1 Design and conduct scientific investigations during which they formulate and test hypotheses.
B.4 Use proportional reasoning to solve problems.
E.3 Understand vectors and how they can be used to represent force and velocity.
G.1 Use various strategies to approach problem solving situations and to revise solution processes.
J.1 Select and use appropriate units to express measurements for real-world problems.
Key Prerequisite Knowledge/Skills for Success in this Course:
Mastery Level:
Utilization of scientific equipment such as but not limited to: microscopes, balances, and tools of measurement.
Geometric equations and be able to apply them to the laws of physics.
The four steps of the scientific method: forming a hypothesis, designing an investigation, collecting data, and
conclusion.
Familiarity Level:
Deductive/Inductive Reasoning (ability to problem solve)
Learning Outcomes for this Course:
Mastery Level:
Students will use a process involving deductive and inductive reasoning to solve a crime/problem.
Students will be able to analyze a crime scene and using their skills in observation and reasoning determine
inconsistencies and form a hypothesis regarding the crime based on evidence.
Familiarity Level:
Students will become familiar with the role of a forensic investigator.
Determine the cause and time of death.
Analyze evidence used as the basis for deductive reasoning.
Students who are Successful in this Course are Prepared for the Following
Courses at Scappoose High School:
Oceanography
Practical Biology
Astronomy
Course Outline
Topic
Deductive/Inductive Reasoning
Role of a Forensic Investigator
Types of Evidence
Fingerprints/Footprints
Hair and Fiber Evidence
Chromatography
Toxicology
Blood Spatters
DNA Fingerprinting
Autopsy—Determining Cause & time of death.
Handwriting Analysis
Type of Assessment
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
Skills Based Quiz
GRADING POLICY
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There will be a skills based quiz every week which will cover the information and skills from the previous
week.
There will be no extra-credit awarded.
Late work will not be accepted.
All quizzes/work must be completed and/or turned in—in advance for all school related absences.
For other excused absences—I expect that all work and/or quizzes will be taken before school—the
day upon the students return to school.
All unexcused absences will be dealt with in accordance to the SHS policies.
Daily Assignments
Homework
Labs
Murder Mysteries
Weekly Quizzes
Midterm
Final
5%
15%
10%
20%
15%
15%
20%
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: The following will result in a zero for all involved parties.
(1) Knowingly copying or allowing someone to copy your work (test or assignment).
(2) Plagiarism and/or failure to cite sources.
(3) Knowingly cheat on an exam or assignment.
IMPORTANT CLASS RULES:
(1) Be respectful in your language and in your actions.
(2) Be responsible in your actions—be on time, be ready, and adhere to the following
BRING
Homework
Paper
Pencil
Pen
Scientific Calculator
Scissors
Colored Pencils
Glue Sticks
DON’T BRING
Food or Drinks
Cell Phones
Music Listening Device
Electronic Devices—PSP, GameBoy, etc
PARENT/STUDENT COMMUNICATION:
Grades will be posted updated on Thursdays for students and parents to view online at Power School (please see the
front office for a password if you are not already online). Your student may also find all available resources for this
class at www.steinkescience.wikispaces.com
PLEASE feel free to contact me at anytime. rsteinke@scappoose.k12.or.us I am here to help your child succeed, I
want them to feel safe and respected in my classroom. I try to recognize and honor each student’s individual needs
and abilities. If there is anything I can do please feel free to call me or email me.
This syllabus is a contract—it states that you understand both the responsibilities and
expectations of yourself and/or your child has in this classroom. Failure to adhere to these
expectations will result in teacher/parent conference and in the most extreme cases,
administration action.
Please have your student keep a copy of this syllabus for future reference.
Please sign this syllabus and have your student return it as soon as possible.
Parent Contact Information
Student Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Parent Name: ______________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone Number: _______________________________Work Number ___________________________
I prefer to be reached at home/work? (circle one) Best times to reach me __________________________
Please provide the following information if you would like to be notified via email regarding your student’s
grades, upcoming events, and announcements:
Parent Email:
________________________________________________________________________
Student Email:
________________________________________________________________________
Parental/Student Awareness:
I have read and understand this document. I agree to abide by all of the policies and expectations, and understand the
consequences of choosing not to meet them.
Parent Signature _____________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature _______________________________________________________________________