George Washington High School
2013-2014 Forensics
Contact Information
Instructor Names and email:
Mr. Korie Cauklins: KCaulkis@cps.edu
Ms. Kathleen Russell: KARussell2@cps.edu
Mrs. Rachel Yzaguirre: Rayzaguirre@cps.edu
You can and should contact us when you have a question/problem/want to share your work. If
you are outside of school, this is the only way to contact us.
Classroom Location: Room 120, Room 125, Room 131, Room 133
Contact Information:
George Washington High School 773-535-5725
Please leave a message for your instructor so that we can call you back when we are not engaged
in the classroom
Office Hours: *Days/times are subject to change but students will always be made aware of the
changes in advance
Circle and Add According to Your Teacher:
Cauklins, Russell,
Yzaguirre
Days
Time
Room #
Before School
After School
Course Description
Course Essential
Questions and Name of
each unit
Forensic science is the application of basic biological, chemical, and physical science
principles and technological practices to the purposes of justice in the study of criminal and civil
issues. Major themes of study in this course are investigation, hair analysis, fiber analysis,
pathology, anthropology, odontology, ballistics, trace evidence, biological fluids, DNA,
fingerprints, impression evidence, castings, drug identification, questioned documents and
forensic psychiatry/psychology. The class is designed around authentic performance assessments
with students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning. It
involves all areas of science including biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science
with an emphasis in complex reasoning and critical thinking. In addition, students must
incorporate the use of technology, communication skills, language arts, art, family and consumer
science, mathematics and social studies.
This course engages students in becoming skilled readers of non-fiction related science
articles. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the living world
around them. The first and second semester is organized according to the units listed below.
Note: the weekly schedule can be revised and changed however Mr. Korie Cauklins, Ms.
Kathleen Russell, and Mrs. Rachel Yzaguirre see fit in order for students to get through the
curriculum in an appropriate amount of time.
Name of Unit
Unit 1: Observation Skills and
Investigation
Unit 2: Study of Hair, Fibers, and Textiles
Essential Questions
1. How do you observe a crime scene?
2. What is an observation?
1. How do forensics scientists use hair in
Course Content
Standards
investigations?
2. How do forensic scientists use fibers and
textiles in investigations?
Unit 3: Pollen and Spore Examination,
1. How do pollen and spore attach to a crime
Fingerprints
scene?
2. What are fingerprints?
Unit 4: DNA Fingerprinting, Blood and
1. What is DNA?
Blood Spatter
2. What is DNA fingerprinting?
3. How is blood used in a crime scene?
Unit 5: Drug Identification and
1. How do drugs influence forensic science?
Toxicology, Handwriting Analysis,
2. Why is handwriting analysis essential to
Forgery, and Counterfeiting
forensics?
Unit 6: Death and Soil Examination
1. What is death?
2. What happens to the body after someone
dies?
3. How does soil link a suspect to a crime
scene?
Unit 7: Forensic Anthropology and Glass
1. What can bones tell a forensic scientist?
Evidence
2. What is glass?
3. How is glass used as evidence?
Unit 8: Casts and Impressions, Ballistics
1. How do you make casts and impressions?
2. Why do you make casts and impressions?
3. What is ballistics?
4. How can bullets be used in a crime scene
investigation?
Common Core: Washington High School will focus on 3 common core standards that will be
demonstrated through students’ ability to engage in a Close Reading to Write
Writing Anchor Standard 1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive
topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
Writing Anchor Standard 4. Produce clear and coherent writing as needed by planning, revising,
editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
Reading Anchor Standard 1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and
secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
College Readiness Standards Taught
1st Quarter
Review:
IOD 20-23: Examine line graphs, introduce graphs with more than 3 variables, and determine
mathematical relationships between 2 variables.
SIN 20-23: Integrate scientific information from popular sources, perform multi trial
experiments to determine the reliability of results, and evaluate whether data produced by an
experiment support a given conclusion.
EMI 20-23: Compare and Contrast two models about scientific phenomena.
2nd Quarter
IOD 24-27: Examine line graphs, introduce graphs with more than 3 variables, and determine
mathematical relationships between 2 variables.
SIN 24-27: Integrate scientific information from popular sources, perform multi trial
experiments to determine the reliability of results, and evaluate whether data produced by an
experiment support a given conclusion.
EMI 24-27: Compare and Contrast two models about scientific phenomena.
3rd Quarter
IOD 28-32: Identify and/or use a complex mathematical relationship between date, extrapolate
from data points in a table or graph
SIN 28-32: Determine the hypothesis for an experiment, identify an alternate method for testing
a hypothesis
EMI 28-32: Select a complex hypothesis, prediction, or conclusion that is supported by a data
presentation or model; determine whether new information supports or weakens a model, and
why; use new information to make a prediction based on a model
Required Texts, Readings,
Videos, etc.
4th Quarter
Review all skill and band levels not mastered
Major Texts
Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations, 2012 Update, 1st Edition
www.cengage.com/forensicscience
Minor Texts
Books
“Beating the Devil’s Game: A History of Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation”,
Katherine Ramsland, Ph.D.
“Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and
Emotional Life”, Paul Ekman
“Picking Cottom: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption”, Jennifer Thompson-Cannino
“Snoop: What Your Staff Says About You”, Sam Gosling, Ph.D.
“Five-Minute Crimebusters: Clever Mini-Mysteries”, Stan Smith
“WHODUNITS: More than 100 Mysteries for you to Solve”
“Mind Hunter”, John Douglas
“Crime Classification Manual 2nd Edition”, John E. Douglas
“The Criminal Mind: A Writer’s Guide to Forensic Psychology”, Katherline Ramsland, Ph.D.
“Facing Down Evil: Life on the Edge as an FBI Hostage Negotiator”, Clint Van Zandt
“The Devil in the White City”, Erik Larson
“Serial Killers”, Brian Innes
“Criminal Shadows: Unlocking the Minds of Serial Killers and Sexual Predators and Cracking
Cases”, David Canter, Ph.D.
“Women Who Kill”
“Born to Be Killers: The Complexity of Abnormal Human Behavior”
“What Cops Know”, Connie Fletcher
“Profiling Violent Crimes: An Investigative Tool 3rd Edition”, Ronald M. Holmes
“Sex Crimes”, Ronald M. Holmes
“Murder in America”, Ronald M. Holmes
“Practical Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction”, Ross M. Gardner
“Physical Evidence in Forensic Science”, Henry C. Lee, Ph.D.
“The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death”, Corrine May Botz
“Crime Scene Forensics Handbook: A Guide for the First Responder”, Tom Martin
“Basic Crime Scene Investigation”, Lou Savelli
“Pocket Partner”, Evers
“Handbook for Death Scene Investigators”, Jay Dix
“Bloodstain Patters 2nd Revised Edition”, Herbert Leon MacDonell
“Bloodstain Pattern Evidence: Objective Approaches and Case Applications”, Anita Y. Wonder
“After Holmes: Dr. MacDonell’s Forensic Casebook”, Herbert Leon MacDonnell
“Bodies We’ve Buried: Inside the National Forensic Academy, the World’s Top: CSI Training
School”, Jarrett Hallcox
“Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications 10th Edition”, Ricki Lewis
“Genetic Testimony: A Guide to Forensic DNA Profiling”, Charlotte Spencer
“Crime Scene Chemistry for the Armchair Sleuth”, Cathy Cobb
“The Poisoner’s Handbook”, Deborah Blum
“Forgery Crime Solving Science Experiments”, Kenneth G Rainis
“The Art of The Steal: How to Protect Yourself and Your Business”, Frank W. Abagnale
“Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations”, Jason Byrd
“A Fly for the Prosecution: How Insect Evidence Helps Solve Crimes”, M. Lee Goff
“Entomology & Death: A Procedural Guide”
“Maggots, Murder, and Men”, Dr. Zakaria Erzinclioglu
“Maigret and the Headless Corpse”, Simenon
“Tales from the Morgue”, Cyril Wecht, M.D., J.D.
“Crime Scene Investigation: Crack the case with real-life experts”, Cyril Wecht, M.D., J.D.
“Never Suck a Dead Man’s Hand: Curious Adventures of a CSI”, Dana Kollmann
“Evidence from the Earth: Forensic Geology and Criminal Investigation”, Raymond Murray
“Irons in the Fire”, John McPhee
“Forensic Anthropology: The Growing Science of Talking Bones”, Peggy Thomas
“The Human Bone Manual”, Tim White
“Forensic Detective: How I Cracked the World’s Toughest Cases”, Robert Mann, Ph.D.
“The Human Bone Manual”, Tim White
“Human Osteology: A Laboratory and Field Manual”, William Bass
“Anthropology Training Manual”, Karen Ramey Burns
“Human Skeletal Remains”, Douglas Ubeluker
“A Forensic Detective’s Casebook”, Dr. Douglas Ubeluker
“The Bone Lady”, Hein
“Breaking Ground Breaking Silence: The Story of New York’s African Burial Ground”, Joyce
Hansen
“Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Martland”, Sally Walker
“Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H. L. Hunley by Sally Walker
Facial Geometry”, Robert George, Ph.D.
“Forensic Art and Illustration”, Karen Taylor
“Search and Seizure Law of New York State by Vol I-Street Encounters by Lt Michael D.
Ranalli
DNA Forensic and Legal Applications”, Lawrence Koblinsky
“The Forensic Science of C.S.I.”, Katherine Ramsland
“The Real Crimes Behind the Best Episodes of the Hit TV Show: Trues Stories of Law and
Order: Special Victims Unit”, Kevin Dwyer
“Crime and Nature”, Marcus Felson
“Crime and Everyday Life 3rd Edition”, Marcus Felson
“Making Crime Pay: The Writer’s Guide to Criminal Law, Evidence, and Procedure”, Andrea
Campbell
“Murder and Mayhem: A Doctor Answers Medical and Forensic Questions for Mystery
Writers”, D. P. Lyle, M.D.
“Environmental Forensics: How the Atmosphere Affects Criminal Investigations and Other
Professional Research”, Greg Macmaster
“Criminology”, John Conklin
“Crime-Solving Science Projects Forensic Science Experiments”, Kenneth Rainis
“Fingerprints: Crime Solving Science Experiments”, Kenneth Rainis
“The World’s Dumbest Criminals”, Daniel Butler
“Burning Bones”, Christopher Golden
“Meets the Eye”, Christopher Golden
“The First Bug Connection”, Harper Collins
“The Tuskegee Airmen: Black Heroes of World War II”, Jacqueline Harris
Videos/TV Shows
Lie To Me
CSI: NY
CSI: Miami
CSI: Las Vegas
Criminal Minds
Bones
CBS: 60 Minutes
NOVA science clips
National Geographic
Forensic Files
Grading Policy
Grading Scale
100 - 90 = A
89 - 80 = B
79 - 70 = C
69 - 60 = D
59 - 0 = F
Procedures/Expectations
of Student
Articles/Journals/Magazines
The Forensic Teacher Journal
Evidence Technology Magazine
www.scholasticnews.com
www.sciencedaily.com
www.washingtonpost.com
www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/humanpower2.html
www.sciencespot.net
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
http://www.nytimes.com/
www.webmd.com
www.sciencenewsforkids.org
Category
Percentage
TIA Assessment
10%
Formative Assessments (class work,
30%
discussions, etc.)
Summative Assessment
30%
Frequency
1x a quarter
2-3 a week
Unit Exams (2/quarter)
Homework
10%
2-3 a week
Quizzes
20%
1-2 a week
Expectations of Student:
This class is going to be tough. It is going to confuse you at times, and that is okay. You do
not need to fully comprehend every single thing that is put in front of you at the exact minute it is
presented to you. We are going to “build our scientific toolbox” and some tools you will own,
and some may malfunction. This is okay. Let’s just realize that we’re all Platinum Pens, and if
you know something or see something or read something better than someone else, it is your
responsibility to share your intelligence with us. We are a team in Forensics!
Here is what I expect of you: To think outside the box, to come prepared to class, to come
with an open mind, and to challenge yourself daily. DAILY! Childish behavior will not be
tolerated. We are only as strong as our weakest link, and if someone is disrupting the learning
environment, you will be disciplined, because I will not tolerate one person bringing down the
GW’s Expectations for
Patriots
Late Work Policy
Materials Needed
Acceptance of Syllabus
rest of us and/or stealing the opportunity of a bright future from your classmates.
This class will double your intelligence. It will change the way you think about the world
around you, and it will open up doors for you that may have been closed before. This class will
change your life if you let it.
This is one of the most important years of your life, and it is in my experience that if a
student has potential but chooses not to use it or show it in their senior year, he or she is
throwing it away for good. We can and will succeed in this course if we work together to tackle
this material.
 Patriots arrive to class on time, every period, every day.
 Patriots dress professionally by following the uniform policy all day, every day.
 Patriots respect the electronics policy by refraining from use while in the building.
 Patriots take a stand against bullies. They don’t bully, even, on-line.
 Patriots use hall passes when traveling through the halls during class periods.
Late work is unacceptable, but we understand that life happens…
 Late work will be accepted up to 1 day BEFORE the current Unit Exam and will be
worth a maximum of 70% after the original due date. No work will be allowed AFTER
the current Unit Exam.
 If you will be going on vacation or know of a medical leave, please provide us with that
information so that we can provide you with your work before you leave
 Please do not hesitate to discuss your absence with us, we are willing to assist you with your
academic success…HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY!
 Binder (1 ½”)
 Filler paper (wide ruled or college ruled)
 Pencils
 Pens
 Highlighter (2 colors)
 Calculator (Scientific)
 **Germ-X (extra credit)
 **Facial Tissues/Kleenex (extra credit)
Parents/Guardians/Important Adults of our Forensics students: Know that they are in good
hands, and that you can expect me to work harder with your student than I ever have before.
Please sign and return the sheet below so I know you have read the syllabus. Please contact me if
you have any questions, comments, or concerns, and I will do the same for you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Student Name: _________________________________________________________________
Adult Name and Relation to Student: _______________________________________________
Number where you can be reached/email address: _____________________________________
Comments or concerns: __________________________________________________________