Forensic Science Waiver and Syllabus
August 8, 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians of Forensics Students::
I would like to welcome your child to the Forensic Science Class at Glynn Academy! I have a number of exciting, hands-on activities planned for the coming semester. The overall goal of the course is to develop the students’ problem-solving skills, using the tools and techniques of the modern forensic scientist on various mock crime scene lab exercises in the classroom.
Modern forensics and criminal justice involves photography of crime scenes and suspects. Fingerprints have long been a part of forensics, and have become easier to collect from crime scenes due to new technologies. The latest technologies to hit the crime lab involve the collection, amplification, and analysis of DNA. As such, part of this course will involve the photographing, fingerprinting, and basic DNA analysis of each of the students in class. Please understand that this information will remain private throughout; in no way will the information collected about the students become part of the public record. The activities are mandatory, but the information will not be shared with the school. It will not leave the classroom.
Although certain aspects of forensics involve working with blood, in this class we will use either cow’s blood or blood substitutes. As in all labs, safety rules will be vigorously enforced. There will be presentations on material through PowerPoint’s, videos and case studies that will contain extremely graphic materials and topics relating to crime scenes and the field of forensic science. By signing this form you are aware that your student is subject to viewing and discussing these materials, agreeing to allow photographs to be taken and used for educational and sharing purposes, and that your student will conduct themselves using maturity and wisdom.
Please sign in the spaces below, and return this letter. If you have any questions please feel free to call or email me at [email protected] or or (912) 267-42100 ext. 3132 Also check my website that can be accessed from the Glynn Academy homepage. I look forward to working with your student!
Sincerely,
Rebecca E. Addison
Student Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____________
Print Your Name: ___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________Date: ____________
Print Your Name: ___________________________________________
Forensic Science
Course Overview
The Forensic Science curriculum is designed to build upon science concepts and to apply science to the investigation of crime scenes. It serves as a fourth year of science for graduation and may serve in selected Career Technology programs. Students will learn the scientific protocols for analyzing a crime scene, how to use chemical and physical separation methods to isolate and identify materials, how to analyze biological evidence and the criminal use of tools, including impressions from firearms, tool marks, arson, explosive evidence, and medicolegal death..
Cell phone and electronic device policy: Unauthorized cell phone (or electronic device) use during instructional time is not permitted. Non-compliance will lead to the device being confiscated and held until the end of class. Failure to submit a requested device will result in administrative intervention. Air pods, earbuds, smart watches, and headphones are included.
Student IDs: Student identification badges must be worn at all times; this is for student safety.
Attendance/Make up work: If you are absent, lessons and assignments will be available in your Google Classroom or a makeup folder for your class. Tests and Quizzes that are missed must be taken during a prearranged time after checking with your teacher. Please be sure to make arrangements to take each test and quiz; they are 50% of the course grade. All makeup work (excluding tests) is due by the end of the unit. All unit tests must be made up within 5 days of the end of the unit.
General Procedures
Respect your fellow students, teacher, school and yourself by complying with all school rules.
Students may use the restroom individually during student work time; please do not ask to go during instructional time. Students will not be allowed out of the class in the first or last 10 minutes of class.
Please do not hesitate to ask for help if needed.
Grading Policy
Expectations
I have very high expectations that you will do your very best in all areas of this class! This is a class based on scientific principles with material that may be graphic at times. I expect students to be mature during class discussions when graphic materials and content may be presented.
Required Student Materials
Text, LARGE (2” +) three ring binder, #2 pencils, colored pencils or thin colored markers, pens, highlighters, graph paper, sketch book or folder with unlined paper, and an electronic device to access the internet.
Instruction Support Opportunities
I will be available before and after school most days. It is best to schedule an appointment beforehand to ensure that I may give you my undivided attention.