The Honors Forensic Science course is designed to introduce students to a variety of biological topics and current scientific issues. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively in groups, to design investigations, formulate hypothesis, collect data, reach conclusions, and present their findings to their classmates. The content studied in Forensic Science provides an opportunity for students to study topics in medicine, ecology, forensics, biotechnology, and environmental studies. The goal this year is to prepare students in every aspect of the Forensic Science curriculum according to the North Carolina standard course of study, Essential Common Core Standards, and the NCFE Exam.
Guidelines & Grading Policy
Honors Forensic Science Late Homework: If a student has proof of an excused absence from class, the student has two class days to turn in the assignment. Excused slips allow the student two class periods to make up missing work to receive full credit. Otherwise, all students are expected to turn in their work on time. The consequences of submitting late assignments will result in the highest grade of70% of earned grade. Two days late – all homework 60% of earned grade. Daily homework assignments will be checked during class time and discussed every day.
Grading: The North Carolina High School Grading Policy for Science classes in 2019-2020. The State of North Carolina now requires all public high schools to use standardized transcripts and to calculate the grade point average and class rank by a standard method. A = 90 - 100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = Below 60 Quizzes: Quizzes are worth 45 points per semester toward a student’s grade. Quizzes can be both announced and unannounced. Students can expect to receive a quiz once a week. Test: Tests are worth 75 points toward a student’s grade. Test will be given every two weeks. A Student will be allowed to rework ONE test per grading period to earn back a maximum one half the points they missed. If a student reworks a test they must notify Mr. Davis on the day after the tests are returned. Test can be reworked before school, during a study skills class, or after school. The decision to rework a test must be made immediately after the test. A student will not be allowed to go back later in the quarter to rework a past test. When a student reworks a test, a student may use their notebook and notes as well as ask Mr. Davis questions, but they cannot receive help or assistance from another student.
Chapter 1 - Introduction into Forensics Science (worksheets)
Use of dead pigs to determine PMI: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/crime-scene-creatures/video-pig-in-a-blanket/5210/
Interactive game to determine time of death -play it more than one time to figure out the details: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/crime-scene-creatures/interactive-determine-the-time-of-death/4390/ Make sure your reflection takes into account the importance of each type of insect you used.
Maggot Medicine: http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/animals/bugs-animals/other-bugs/maggot_medicine/ Follow up with an actual case. Not for the squeamish! http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/places/culture-places/work/us_maggots/ Comment on both podcasts.
The Body Farm: (up to 10 pts) This 12 minute video is narrated by Dr. Bill Bass at the University of Tennessee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDU0X9VVQn4 Comment on the nature and importance of his research. You will earn points based on the thoroughness of your reflection. Not for the squeamish.