Welcome to Forensic Science!Today’s Lesson Question:What is Forensic Science?

Today’s Objectives

Students will be able to:1) Explain the importance of maintaining a crime scene.

2) Understand the role science plays in analyzing  criminal evidence.

THE CRIME SCENE

•As you walked into the room today, you may have noticed objects set up to mimic a crime scene.▫What did you do when you saw or observed the scene?

▫Did anyone disturb the scene?▫How would disturbing the scene effect the outcome of the case?

▫What may have happened to the evidence’s PROBATIVE VALUE?

Crime Solving 200 Years Ago

•Click here for link to video.▫After viewing the first part of the video, discuss how crimes were solved in the past with your partner.

▫After viewing the second part of the video, discuss why is it important to be methodical in a forensic investigation.

What is Forensic Science?• Forensic science in simply layman's terms: it is the application of scientific procedures in conjunction with the law.

• Forensic science is the umbrella term for a collection of scientific procedures that can be employed when it comes to providing evidence that a crime has been committed and also provides ways and means of proving how a crime has been committed.

What is Forensic Science?• In its simplest form it can be a means by which fingerprints, fibers, DNA and bodily fluids can be collected and stored -- without contamination -- so that they can be later used as evidence in a police investigation into a specific crime, or series of crimes.

• In the last two decades forensic science has seen many important discoveries made and has had many different procedures added to aid in the detection of criminals and also in proving the innocence of people suspected of crimes they did not commit.

Why is Forensic Science Important?• Forensic science has now become a scientific study in its own right and now includes some of the world's most important discoveries as part of its remit. These include:

• DNA coding • Fingerprinting• Toxicology - the study of drugs and their effects on the human body

• Serology - the study of bodily fluids

• Ballistics - the study of firearms

• Soil analysis• Forensic entymology• Forensic anthropology

What does a Forensic Scientist do?•Forensic scientists perform chemical and physical tests on evidence submitted by police officers to resolve legal issues. ▫Analyze evidence from the police▫Prepare reports describing their results

▫Provide testimony in court

How do you become a Forensic Scientist?YOU NEED:•A bachelor’s degree-preferably in science

•Some forensic sciences require advanced degrees

•Good speaking and note-taking skills•Ability to write a science report that a non-science person can understand!