CSI (Conducting Science Investigations)
2014-2015
Mrs. Donna Stotts
Room 008 – Blue Springs South High School
dstotts@bssd.net
Plan hour – 2nd period
(816) 224 – 1315
TEXTBOOKS: Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations; Antony J Bertino.
Forensic Science: Advanced Investigations; Brown and Davenport.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Pencil or Pen (blue or black ink only!)
Paper/spiral notebook for notes and assignments
Colored Pencils
Flash Drive
INTRO/COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a hands-on, lab-based science course in which students will investigate how
scientific and technological advances are applied to civil and criminal law. Students will use
modern forensic techniques, along with the scientific method, to solve problems involving
legal investigations.
This course is designed to introduce students to various disciplines of science by learning
how they are employed in forensic investigations. Students will review some previously
learned concepts as well as gain a deeper understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics
concepts using both inquiry-based and active investigations.
TOPICS & TIMELINE:
Unit
Tentative Timeline
Unit 1: Scientific Inquiry
August 15th- August 30th
Unit 2: History and Technology
September 3rd- September 17th
Unit 3: Recording a Crime Scene
September 18th- October 3rd
Unit 4: Microscopes and Hair Analysis
October 4th- October 17th
Unit 5: Cause of Death
October 18th- November 17th
Unit 6: DNA Analysis
November 18th- December 6th
Unit 7: Blood Analysis and Spatter
January 7th- January 29th
Unit 8: Fingerprinting
January 30th- February 12th
Unit 9: Handwriting/Chromatography
February 13th- February 28th
Unit 10: Physical Evidence
March 4th-March 14th
Unit 11: Toxicology
March 24th- April 8th
Unit 12: Accident Reconstruction
April 9th- April 24th
Unit 13: Forensic Psychology
April 25th- May 20th
CLASS INFORMATION
The CSI class is probably unlike any science course that you have ever experienced. Listed
are some of its unique attributes:
 This is a lab based class with at least 1-2 labs per week.
 You will be assigned to a three or four-person lab team.
 Because the lab supplies are consumable and time sensitive, making it very difficult
to make up a missed lab. If you are absent, you will most likely have to complete a
research assignment/book work to make up your points.
If your absences are excessive, it will be very difficult for you to receive credit
for this course.
 Textbooks – We have a classroom set of textbooks that will be used in this course
and WILL not be checked out to students. Students will be given ample class time to
complete book-based assignments. Students are encouraged to use the time allotted
in class for book assignments. BOOK ASSIGNMENTS NOT COMPLETED IN
CLASS WILL HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL.
**If you signed up for this class looking for an “easy” elective science credit, I strongly
encourage you to go a different route. While it is no more rigorous than a Biology I class,
it is also not a ‘blow off’ class. Students are expected to work DAILY. Failure to do so
will result in frustration and possible grade failure. Students who have come in with this
mind set in the past have been extremely unsuccessful.
GOALS
1. Students will design and perform experiments, and value inquiry as the
fundamental scientific process.
2. Students will plan and conduct their own experiments, and come to their own
conclusions as they read, observe, compare, describe, infer, and draw
conclusions.
EXPECTATIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Respect: One another, teachers, and school property.
Be here, and be on time.
Follow procedures outlined in class.
Be prepared: Pencil, paper, & folders
Ask Questions when you are lost or confused.
Work hard.
CONSEQUENCES
Offense 1: Verbal Warning
Offense 2: Conference with student and teacher
Offense 3: Parent contact
Offense 4: Student will be sent to office, detention, or possibly referral
ATTENDANCE/TARDIES
Make sure you are in class every day. It will be beneficial in your learning the content. If
you are just entering the room or wandering around without a purpose, you will be counted
tardy. Tardies will be followed according to school policy (warning on 2nd
tardy…referral on 3rd).
***ACADEMIC INTEGRITY (PLAGIARISM/CHEATING):
As stated in the Student Handbook, you are accountable for everything you say and write
and for the integrity of your work. You should not misrepresent your work by using the
work of another and representing it as your own or give or receive unauthorized aid.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, bringing answers into a testing area,
copying homework or assessments from another student, providing answers for another
student, or using unauthorized notes or technology. The consequence of
Plagiarism/Cheating will be a zero on the assignment and can include up to two days of
ISD.
GRADING SCALE
The grading scale is as follows:
90% -- 100%
80% -- 90%
70% -- 80%
60% -- 70%
Below 60%
A
B
C
D
F
Grade Distribution:
•
Labs : 60%
•
Quizzes and Tests : 20%
•
Homework/In class work : 10%
•
Final Exam : 10%
ASSIGNMENTS/LATE WORK
HOMEWORK: This may be assigned daily and will be due the next day, unless stated otherwise.
Due dates may be changed per my discretion. It will be in your best interest to complete your work in
a timely fashion & to not waste any class time I give you.
LATE WORK: I do not accept late work. When an assignment is due, it is due at the beginning of
your class period on the assigned due date. If it is not turned in, you will get a zero. If circumstances
warrant a later due date, please see me (you may be penalized points on the assignment.)
STUDENTS are responsible for seeing me about missed assignments.
LONG TERM ASSIGNMENTS: As stated on page 6 of the Student Handbook, a long term
assignment is exempt from the absence makeup work policy and will be due on the
ASSIGNED due date. It will not be accepted late.
Group Dynamics: Because this class is separated into lab groups, you must
work cooperatively. Each member assists with the completion of the labs, and
therefore, if a student in a research team is not pulling their weight, a warning
will be given. If the poor work ethic continues, then the member will be pulled
from the group and complete all labs alone. Working productively with others is
an important “real world” skill that I want you to learn in this class.
EXTRA HELP:
I am available for help each morning (except Thursdays) at 6:40 AM and after school (until
3:00). Please be responsible and come in for help if you need it.
Mr. Mooney and Mr. Sundberg are the other CSI teachers, if I am unable to be reached for
general questions/textbook access, feel free to seek them out.
This signed disclosure is the first assignment of the year (10 Points). Your signature here is
your statement that you have no questions about the course, expectations, or
consequences for CSI.
Please feel free to contact me if there are any questions regarding the information in the
syllabus.
Student Name (please print):________________________________________
Period:___________________
Date:____________
STUDENT
I, _______________________, have read this class disclosure and feel I understand every
part of it and have shown it to my parent(s) or guardian(s).
PARENT/GUARDIAN
I, _______________________, have read this class disclosure and discussed it with my
child and agree to be available for conferences. If you would like an additional copy of this
please make note and I will send one home with your student.
Parent work phone:
________________________
Parent e-mail (please write legibly): ______________________________________