Forensic Science
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Motivations for criminal behaviour
Types and range of evidence obtained from a crime scene
How to observe, interpret and record evidence using a range of techniques
Using logical, statistical and mathematical concepts to solve crimes
Use the techniques of fingerprinting, DNA extraction, chromatography and light microscopy
Investigate blood spatter – linking height, direction, angle and force to weapon
The role of new technologies in crime solving (eg DNA fingerprinting and forensic anthropology)
The reliability and accuracy of evidence at a crime scene and the implications for conviction
Working scientifically
Use and evaluate an idea, model or theory
History and future of science
Thinking level
Extension
Communicate science to an audience
Pattern seeking
Data analysis
Controlling variables
Using appropriate technique
Communicate science
Use and evaluate an idea, model or theory
Synthesise
Control variables (analyse data)
Use secondary sources
Evaluate a technique
Pattern seeking and data analysis
Pattern seeking on data
Classification
Asking and answering questions
Apply
Link
Analyse
Use and evaluate an idea, model or theory
Using appropriate equipment
Using appropriate techniques
Pattern seeking
Data analysis
Explain
Evaluate a technique
Use secondary sources
Describe
Use a technique
Work safely
Use secondary sources
Identify and classify
Identify
Thinking level
Extend
Synthesise
Link
Apply
Analyse
Explain
Describe
Identify
Subject Knowledge
Psychopaths – role of genetics and environment
Serial Killers – nature or nurture
Profiling based on psychology
Design an investigation to identify shoe size from a print
Design a way of identifying suspect inks at a crime scene
Create a report for a court – based on skeleton evidence
Link forensic science techniques to science learning
Link forensic science techniques to maths learning
Link forensic science techniques to psychology
Link forensics to real life crimes
Apply forensic practice to lab investigations (eg
anthropology, blood spatter, fingerprints)
Solve crime puzzles using mathematical skills
Practise a range of techniques
Analyse data from crime scenes (eg blood spatter)
Compare and contrast types of evidence
Determine the likely cause of evidence from data
Investigate evidence using appropriate techniques
Explain the key motivations behind crime
Explain the structure of fingerprints, hairs and fibres
Explain how to extract DNA from a sample
Explain how to identify the gender of a skeleton
Explain how chromatography works
Explain inductive and deductive reasoning
Describe how evidence is formed
Examine evidence (eg microscope)
Classify fingerprints based on characteristics
Identify the types of evidence at a scene
Identify the units for measuring evidence
Outline techniques
Label fingerprint details
Identify some famous forensic cases and crimes
Key activities that will assess the learning that has taken place
Top Ten characteristics of a serial killer (profiling)
Evidence report for court case on chromatography on pens
Maths activity on logical thinking – Simpsons crime
Analysis of boot prints and link to shoe size and likely suspect
Data analysis on blood splatter – identify likely sources
Report on gender of skeleton in the cupboard (using data and photographs)
Draw and label a diagram of a hair fibre under a light microscope
List of techniques and SI units and A-Z of evidence