Forensic Science

Forensic Science is an academically rigorous, interdisciplinary science course designed to expose students to the scientific principles, investigative methodologies, and analytical practices utilized within the field of criminal investigation and forensic analysis. Through the integration of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, law, and criminal justice, students will examine how scientific reasoning and evidence-based practices are used to investigate crimes and support legal proceedings.

The course emphasizes higher order thinking skills, scientific inquiry, problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication while encouraging students to apply classroom learning to authentic and relevant real-world scenarios. Students will engage in a wide variety of instructional experiences including laboratory investigations, evidence analysis, research activities, case studies, simulations, collaborative discussions, presentations, and written reflections.

Throughout the school year, students will analyze both physical and circumstantial evidence while exploring the ethical responsibilities connected to forensic investigations and scientific practice. Significant emphasis will be placed on precision, observation, documentation, organization, academic integrity, and professional conduct within both classroom and laboratory settings.

Assessment Method:

 

More Info

  1. Abstracts Participation
  2. Attendance Peer Evaluation
  3. Bell-Ringer / Exit Slips
  4. Capstone Project Portfolio
  5. Case Study Portfolio Lab Performance
  6. Exams Presentations
  7. Group Projects Professional Evaluation
  8. Homework Assignments Quizzes
  9. Internet Research project
  10. Journaling Lab Performance
  11. Oral/written review of literature

Videos




The Forensic Lab




Doses Of Evidence




The Dumpster Killer Serial Murderer




Death Investigations




2026/2027 Schedule
August Course Introduction and Expectations
Safety Procedures and Laboratory Expectations
History of Forensic Science
September The Scientific Method in Criminal Investigations
Crime Scene Investigation Basics
Observation Skills and Evidence Collection
October Physical Evidence Analysis
Glass Fracture Analysis
Soil and Mineral Identification
Hair and Fiber Analysis
Impression Evidence
Footwear
Tire Tracks
Tool Marks
November Fingerprint Identification
DNA Structure and Analysis
Blood Evidence and Blood Spatter
Toxicology Basics
Trace Evidence Analysis
December Firearms and Ballistics
Arson Investigations
Document and Handwriting Analysis
Digital and Cyber Forensics
Semester Review and Final Exam Preparation
January Semester Final Exam
Reflection and Goal Setting
February Forensic Anthropology
Human Remains Identification
Entomology and Time of Death
Facial Reconstruction
Psychology and Criminal Profiling
March Drug Identification and Analysis
Forensic Chemistry Applications
Serology and Body Fluid Analysis
Case Study Investigations
Expert Witness and Courtroom Procedures
April Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction
Mock Crime Scene Investigations
Collaborative Forensic Research Projects
Presentation Preparation
May Research Symposium / Case Presentations
Final Project Presentations
Review Activities
Spring Semester Final Exam Preparation
June Final Exams
Course Reflection
End-of-Year Activities