Myriaha Selbe
Biology
Cabell Midland High School
Unit Title: Forensics: Who Dun it!
Students will Know:
1. The importance of observation skills and the scientific method in an investigation
2. The several ways and reasons that fingerprints can be taken
3. How tire tracks, hair analysis and handwriting samples can be useful to an
investigation
Students will Understand:
That the inquiry process can be used in real life forensics work to evaluate, revise
and formulate a solution to a criminal investigation
Students will Do:
1. Fingerprinting lab
2. Handwriting Analysis lab
3. Tire Track lab
4. Hair Analysis lab
5. Summative Who Dun it Case
__________________________________________________________________
Essential Questions:
1. How can you use observation skills to solve a crime?
2. What steps within the scientific method are used to solve a crime?
3. Why are there different methods to fingerprint someone?
4. How can skills used to examine tire marks be used to analyze foot prints
also?
5. Can hair samples from different species or different sexes be identified?
6. What can writing a note tell someone about you?
Potential Length of Unit: 2 weeks
__________________________________________________________________
Unit Plan: Who Dun it
Lesson Overview
Lesson
Preassessment
done before
last exam.
Intro to unit
Discussion on
Handwriting
analysis
Whole Class
Power point
Daily
Differentiated
..\..\..\..\Documents\Forensic Crime Scene.ppt
Longer if no real concept identification
Movie clips from Bone Collector
Half of lab done by their self concerning
document details and writing styles
http://www.chymist.com/HANDWRITING%20AN
ALYSIS.pdf
The rest of lab done
with partner of same
Sternberg profile
(practical, analytical,
creative)
other optional sites for fun
http://handwriting.feedbucket.com/
http://www.viewzone.com/handwriting.html
Tire Track
Activity
Discussion on marks left behind in a possible get
away
http://sciencespot.net/Media/FrnsScience/tiretr
acks.ppt
Fingerprinting
Lab
Discussion on basic fingerprinting identification
Index card activity
Day 1
I use this lab but make small adjustments to it
http://www.education.com/activity/article/Get_P
rints_high/
Array profile groupsMatch game of tire
tracks
Array profile groups
Fingerprinting
lab
Dusting lab (two types)
Pre- purchased kit
Day 2
Final
Summative
Assessment
Case of the
Stolen Final
Exam
*Intro of unit and directions for assessment
piece
Sternberg Profile
groups:
*Creation of Fingerprinting Database ( all of the
students index cards put in random order without
their names on the front)
(Options for grouping
1. One of each 2. only
“alike” )
Assigned to investigate
the scene and finalize a
police report listing the
who’s, how’s and why’s
about the crime.
Group Summative
Checklist
*Note- fingerprinting database and final summative assessment case
changes each year based on number of students and learning profile
cards. The thief is always taken from the database and sometimes I
make it a team effort! Daily lesson plans available upon request.
Student Name:_____________________________ Reviewer Name: ___________________________
Date: _________________
Project: Forensic Unit
CATEGORY
Laboratory Safety
RESPONSIBILITIES
I used all equipment carefully.
I used all equipment as it was meant to be used.
I didn't fool around or roughhouse in the lab.
I picked up any mess (using proper safety precautions) that I
created during the lab.
Cooperative Groups
I actively participated with other group members.
I showed respect and support for fellow team members.
I listened to my partners' ideas.
I provided ideas that contributed to the success of the project.
I did my fair share of the project.
I held myself accountable for high quality work.
I held others in the group accountable for high quality work.
Experimental Research
I clearly described my questions.
I gathered information that helped me better understand what I am
investigating.
I developed an hypothesis and worded it so it could be tested.
I controlled the variables to the extent possible.
I used appropriate equipment and materials to perform my
experiment.
I performed the experiment carefully, just as it was described.
I recorded the results.
I summarized the results and then drew conclusions.
Relating Concepts
I can explain why this lesson/project was important.
I related this lesson to things we have studied in other classes.
I know how this lesson relates to social issues outside of science.
I understand how this lesson/project relates to other issues of
importance to our society or community.
I know how this lesson/project relates to the work done by other
scientists and/or historians.
I explained how technological advances have changed our
understanding of this topic.