Increasing Inquiry with Forensics

Increasing Inquiry with ForensicsNSTA Annual ConferenceMarch 29, 2012 Kristen KohliBackground InformationKristen Kohli kkohli@buhsd.orgEstrella Foothills High Schoolhttp://www.kohliscience.com

Why Forensics?Junior/senior electiveBroad appealGives students a chance to explore a variety of sciences:ChemistryBiologyPhysicsEarth ScienceIncrease engagement & inquiry in science

Initial PlanningNSTA ConferencesTextbook evaluationsState standardsOnline resourceshttp://www.bsapp.comhttp://www.theforensicteacher.com http://www.nahstofs.org/Available resourcesCourse LayoutIntroductory Unit 1 weekCommon Trace Evidence (hair, fibers, pollen, spores, sand, soil) 3 weeksFingerprints, DNA, & Blood 3 weeksLessons from the Body (death, forensic entomology, forensic anthropology)- 2 weeksAt the Scene (glass, impressions, accident reconstruction) 2 weeksWeapons & Tools 2 weeksSummative Crime Scene Project 1 weekIntroductory UnitCase studies & careers in all unitsRoom burstAwareness testThe Art of Crime Detection (http://tinyurl.com/3ub9o8w )

Trace Evidence UnitCollecting materialsHairPollen/sporesSand/SoilIntroductory inquiry activitiesID differencesUnknown samplesDirect instructionApplicationHow to photographPolymer worm demoBurn labSoil/sand lab

Fingerprints, DNA, & BloodIodine demo10 cardsDust & matchVirtual labs at learn.genetics.eduGel electrophoresisBlood typingSpatter patterns & trigonometry

Lessons from the BodyDetermining driver using autopsyDermestid beetlesVisible Proofs activities: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/visibleproofs/Stomach content labPBS Crime Scene Creatures website & Body FarmForensic anthropology & facial reconstruction webquestAt the SceneObtaining glass samplesGlass density labWater bead demo Becke lines & submersion testsYoutube clips on breaking glassCasting shoe prints & comparingDo-it yourself drag sledCrash reconstruction at Edheads.orgStyrofoam plate bite comparisonsWeapons & ToolsTool marks & Play-DohMikrosil castsTurkey bone marksCollecting cartridge casingsFirearmsid.comTrajectory & trigonometry Kennedy clip

Summative Project Final Crime SceneDay One:Project introducedGroups of fourTen minutes to determine roles for scene

Summative Project Final Crime SceneDay Two: Visit the sceneTen minutes per groupArmed with digital cameraSupplies available at scene: Measurement tools: calipers, meter sticks, metric wheelsEvidence bags, labels, numbers, bindle paper, & tapeTrajectory rods, protractors, & stringForceps, gloves, tapeOrder tests, samples, info

Summative Project Final Crime SceneEvidence at the Scene: Blood/Impressions/Soil

Summative Project Final Crime SceneEvidence at the Scene: HairVictimGirlfriend (perpetrator)Guinea pig

Summative Project Final Crime SceneEvidence at the Scene: Glass & Fingerprint

Summative Project Final Crime SceneEvidence at the Scene: Bullet casing & fingerprint

Summative Project Final Crime SceneEvidence at the Scene: Acetate cloth with lily pollen

Summative Project Final Crime SceneEvidence at the Scene: Bullet hole

Summative Project Final Crime SceneDay Three: Science labFemur & pelvis evidenceTest resultsSelf-directedSupplies: light microscopes, dissecting microscopes, rulers, dusting powder and brushes, liquids with refractive indices of 1.33 and 1.47, slides, coverslips, tape, candles, forceps, magnifying glasses, watch glasses, test tubes, clear nail polish, hydrochloric acid, acetone, magnets, barium chloride, acetic acid, UV light, petri dishes, and mortar and pestles setsAdditional test/info requestsSummative Project Final Crime SceneDay Four: Computer labFinal lab request resultsTime to prepare Power PointsAssessment:Chain of custodySketch of sceneCareful crime scene teamworkSafe lab work & knowledge of testing proceduresEvidence collection , testing, & correct analysisPresentation of findingsAsk For HelpGuest speakersFBISROParentsGrants

Contact InformationKristen Kohlikkohli@buhsd.orghttp://www.kohliscience.com