This class is a hands-on approach to forensics. Some topics covered will be crime scene investigation, hair analysis, fibers and textiles, botany, fingerprints, DNA profiling, blood splatter, toxicology, handwriting, entomology, soil examination, anthropology, glass evidence, impressions, tool marks, and ballistics.

Each chapter of the text contains activities to practice what has been learned. The class will discuss different true crime cases and forensics careers. Parents should be aware that some information and some cases discussed are graphic.

This class is divided into 2 classes weekly. One hour of learning from the book, and the second class is one hour of hands on labs to reinforce what is being learned in the chapter. Students will use microscopes, learn to analyze and match fingerprints and hair samples, and they will learn blood typing, and toxicology with chemistry based kits. This class can be used as a High School lab based science for your transcript.

Homework: 2-3 hours per week and students will also have occasional projects to complete at home. They will also have an independent research project that they will present to the class at the end of the year. Completing their own research project helps students to learn to study independently and to be responsible for their own time management. It also aids in developing their ability to speak in front of others by practicing in a classroom setting.

Students should come to class prepared with a 3 ring binder to keep handouts, a pencil, and their textbook.

Required Texts:

Forensic Science Fundamentals & Investigations - 2nd Edition

ISBN: 9781305077119

National Geographic Learning

-- not in the CHE bookstore, must purchase on your own. Approximately $100 new.