Download Forensic Science Advanced Investigations

Forensic Science Advanced Investigations
Contacts
1. District Information
2. Course Contact
Coachella Valley High School (050620)
Edna Mendoza; [email protected]
John Noonan [email protected]
A. Cover Page
1. Course Title
Forensics Science Advance
Investigations.
2. Transcript Title
PSA F Sci Adv
3. Transcript Course Code
4. Seeking Honors Distinction? (HS Only)
No
5. Subject Area
Lab science Biology/life ( D )
6. Grade Levels
12
7. Unit value
10
8. Was this course previously approved by UC? (HS
Only)
UC approved 2015
9. Is this course, or any section of this course,
taught in an online learning environment?
No
10. Is this course classified as a Career Technical
Education course: (HS Only)
Yes
11. Brief Course Description
Forensic Science Advanced Investigation is designed to apply a multiple of academic disciplines
investigation of criminal or civil questions of the law. This course we will use Biology,
Chemistry, and Physical Sciences principles and technological practices toward the purpose of
justice in the study of criminal issues and interpret evidence within the realm of the Public
Service field. The course begins with an introduction to scientific inquiry and the process of
forensic investigation and techniques. This inquiry is then applied to the analysis of Forensic
Interrogation and Forensic Reporting/Forensic Laboratory techniques, Arson and Fire
Investigation, Explosions, Body systems, Physical Trauma, Physiology of Alcohol and poisons,
Advanced concepts in DNA, Odontology, Entomology, Crime and accident reconstruction
,Cyber-crimes, and Criminal profiling. Principal methods of learning include lecture,
demonstration, case study analysis, forensic journal readings, lab activities and experiments.
This course will emphasize potential career pathways, critical thinking, problem-solving,
observation, data analysis, data collection, digital photography and technology in addition to
scientific skills and techniques.
12. Pre-requisites : Biology; Forensics Science I
13. Co-Requisites : Chemistry
14. Context for Course
Career Technical Education (CTE) requires a planned California Department of Education
(CDE) qualified sequence of courses aligned with CTE Career Pathway standards. Each CTE
industry strand should have an introductory, concentrator and capstone course. The Public Safety
Academy has aligned the following course: Introduction to Criminal Justice; Forensic Science I;
and Forensics Science Advanced Investigation. This course, (Forensics Science Advanced
Investigation) is now academically upgraded to meet the Science biology Lab “ D ” . And, it also
fulfills a graduation requirement for life science. This is promotes a more efficient use of
resources aligning with following goals: CVUSD major initiatives, compliance with State and
federal funding providing more options for CVHS students and improving student graduation
rates.
15. History of Course Development
The first Forensics course was written in 2007 for the California Partnership Public Safety
Academy. It was an elective course for Career Technical Education, and the CTE standards for
Public Safety industry. CDE has updated CTE/Academic foundation standards: and academic
cross curricular common core standards in 2013. So an upgrade was needed, so students received
the maximum benefit, meeting the College, Career and Citizenship objectives. It is designed
meet the CTE and academic standards regarding forensics scientific investigations and is now
been upgraded to meet the UC Doorways Lab Science “D” category for Biology/Life Sciences.
Over the years working with the Riverside County Sheriff Department, US Border Patrol, and
Indio Police Department we have become keenly aware that there was a need to increase the
academic rigor of these courses.
16. Textbooks
Textbooks
Title
Forensic
Science
Advanced
Investigations
Author
Rhonda M. Brown
& Jackie S.
Davenport
Publisher
South- Western
C engage
Learning
Edition
2012
Website
www.cengag
e.com/school
Primary
Yes
17. Supplemental Instruction Materials
Course Content
Course Purpose
The intent of the Forensic Science Advance Investigation is to: Provide a beginning to the
academic work that leads into a major program of study for Administration of Justice at the
University or Junior College level; and Experience with criminal investigation. The key
assignments will demand an increased depth of knowledge for all aspects of professional:
practices, standards and ethics. Additionally; the use of cross curricular academic disciplines will
form the foundation for future major or minor studies at the University. This will happen by
continuing to build on core academic skills from the previous years, particularly: analytical
reading, expository writing, and oral communications. There is additional scientific laboratory
work, case analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking.
Course Outline
Content Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Define Forensic Science.
Describe how the scientific method is used to solve forensic science problems.
Distinguish between class and individual evidence.
Discuss the importance of significant cases that have impacted forensic science.
Outline the steps of the judicial process from identification of a suspect through the trial.
B. Interrogation and Forensic Reporting - each student will learn the importance of greater skill
and training to process crime scene ,interview witnesses, and solve crime. Truthful reporting and
attention to detail, and objectivity are all integral component to building and sustaining respect
and integrity in law enforcement.





Evaluate the importance of a code of ethics to professional organizations
Compare and contrast an interview and an interrogation.
Describe the cognitive approach for interviewing.
Differentiate between the five common models of interrogation.
Explain the importance of objectivity in report writing.
1.Introduction
2.Historical Development
3.The Scientific Method
4. The CSI Team and Crime Labs
5.Landmark Cases
6.The Judicial Process
7.Ethics
8. Interviewing Techniques
9.Proper procedures for Interrogation
Reporting information
Key Assignment: 1. Pick a Penny; describe the importance of observations skills in
identification. 2. Sock Lab; Collect and Identify trace evidence and Illustrate proper
documentation of data. 3. Create your own Crime Scene; Apply forensic terminology correctly to
a scenario and Evaluate the probative value of evidence in a scenario. 4. Drive-By Shooting
Activity; complete Different types of reports properly and Reconstruct a chain of events from
witness and police statements.
I. Chapter 1-2 Overview of Forensics, Interrogation and Forensic Reporting
A. Overview of Forensics- each student will learn the two types of evidence, proper handling,
collection, observation, and processing evidence and documenting the chain of custody
F. Body System- each student will learn the significant knowledge of the body system and how
they function and interact is important in determining how a person died. Depending on the type
f injury or trauma to the body, various systems will exhibit specific signs or symptoms which
will have distinct forensic implications.



Evaluate the forensic implication s of the circulatory system, muscular system, and
respiratory system.
Discuss the structure and function of the circulatory system, respiratory system, and
muscular system.
Identify body system and discuss their forensic implications.
1.Properties of Gases
2.Characteristics of an explosion
3.Types of Explosives
4.Collection of Evidence
5.Analysis of Evidence
6.Examination of Physical Evidence
6.Terrorism
7.The Circulatory System
8.The Respiratory System
9.The Muscular System
10.The Forensic Implications of Other Body System
Key Assignment: 1. Liftoff Activity; Describe the behavior of gases in an enclosed system. 2.
Gunshot Residue Activity; Distinguish between presumptive and confirmatory test for gunshot
residue and Identify the necessity for a control sample. 3. Microscopic Examination; Separate
various components of "explosion debris" based on physical properties. 4. Anatomy of a chicken
wing Activity; Identify the relationship between structure and function of bones and muscles and
Compare and contrast a chicken wing to the arm of a human. 5.Dem Bones Activity; Determine
sex by examining features of various bones and estimate the height of an individual based on the
length of long bones of the body.
Chapter 3 Forensic Laboratory Techniques
C. Forensic Laboratory Techniques- each student will learn that at a crime scene, an investigator
must collect evidence that will be processed in the crime lab. Recognize the importance of
samples from known sources or of known identity to determine the technique used to process
that can provide irrefutable evidence of a potential suspect's guilt.








Describe presumptive and confirmatory test.
Compare and contrast different types of microscopes.
Differentiate between thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and highperformance liquid chromatography.
Describe the structure of DNA.
Compare and contrast techniques for visualizing fingerprints.
List and describe three types of spectroscopy.
Distinguish between physical and chemical properties.
Explain how qualitative analysis differs from quantitative analysis.
1. Introduction
2. Presumptive and Confirmatory tests
3. Microscopy
4. Chromatography
5. Electromagnetic Radiation
6. Spectroscopy
7. Finger-print- Developing Techniques
8. DNA analysis
Key Assignments: 1. Separating Mixtures; Determine physical properties of various materials
and Evaluate the success of the experiment. 2. Microscopy Lab activity; Operate a compound
microscope and Sketch samples in the field view. 3. Paper Chromatography; Perform paper
chromatography and Determine whether the document had been altered. 4. Smooch Activity;
Use chromatography to distinguish between the four similar shades of lipstick and Differentiate
between the lip patterns. 5. Fingerprinting; Develop fingerprints using silver nitrate.
III. Chapter 4 Arson and Fire Investigation
D. Arson and Fire Investigation- each student will learn the definition of arson is the malicious
burning of property. It is a legal term, and the definition varies from state to state and from
country to country. When a fire is reported, fire fighters, investigator, and forensic scientists
collaborate to determine the cause and origin of the fire as well as whether arson was involved.

Define combustion reactions.


Discuss four factors that are required to ignite and maintain a fire.
Examine reasons why arson is difficult to detect.
Identify the four categories of fire.
Discuss the proper methods for detecting, collecting, preserving, and analyzing arson
evidence.
Explain the conditions in which fuels will burn.
Evaluate the significance of burn patterns discovered at an arson investigation.
Describe the psychological profile of arsonist.
Explain the various motives of arson
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.Chemistry of Fire
2.Difficulties in Arson Detection
3.Function of a Fire Investigator
Determining a Cause
5.Collecting the Evidence
6.Psychology of an Arsonist
7.Motives for Arson
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



Key Assignment: 1.Exothermic Reactions Activity; Determine the best proportion of chemicals
to make an effective hot pack and properly collect, record, and interpret data. 2. Investigation
Activity; Identify the correct procedure for searching a fire scene and evaluate investigative
procedures. 3. Super Sniffers Activity; Recognize the value of using dogs to detect
accelerants and Using their sense of smell to make careful observation.
IV. Chapter 5-6 Explosion and Body System
E. Explosions- each student will learn the importance of safety when investigating any crime
scene. Residual evidence must be processed carefully as there is threat of secondary explosion or
detonation of secondary unexploded materials.




Differentiate between components of the various types of explosives.
Describe the methods of detecting, collecting, and processing explosion evidence.
Define terrorism.
List some common analytical techniques used for explosives and explosive residue.
V. Chapter 7-8 Physical Trauma and Autopsy
G. Physical Trauma - students will learn the procedure to interpret injuries in violent crime.
Recognize the skills of various trained crime- scene investigators and medical personnel in
examining wounds, taking pictures, and examine possible tools that could have caused the injury.


Discuss how investigators study injuries to determine the extent, or degree, of injury.
Differentiate between the three types of blunt- force trauma.

Identify the four types of sharp- force trauma.
H. Autopsy- each student distinguish the importance of photographs for a forensic pathologist to
determine the events surrounding at the death scene. After evidence is collected at the scene, the
body is transferred to the morgue and the medical examiner or coroner is responsible for
determining the cause, manner and mechanism of death.





Discuss the history of coroners and medical examiners.
Describe the steps of death investigations
Discuss how laboratory tests are used to determine the contributing factors that lead to
someone's death.
Compare and contrast collection of biological and non biological evidence during an
autopsy.
Describe the organization and structure of the autopsy report.
1. Evidence of Physical Trauma
2. Types of Trauma
3.Case Studies
4.Careers in Forensics
5.History of Coroners and Medical Examiners
6.Three steps of a Death Investigation
7. Laboratory Analysis
8.The Autopsy report
Key Assignment: 1. Stab Wounds Activity; Distinguish between the wounds made by different
knives and explain the difference between perforating and penetrating wounds. 2. Bone Trauma
Activity; develop a pal for testing the effects of different forms of trauma on "bones" and
describe the effects of various forms of trauma on bones. 3. Fetal Pig Dissection; Perform a
whole- body dissection of a vertebrate and explain the organs of a system function together for
performance of a specific process. 4. Death Scenarios Activity; Create a scenario to illustrate
cause of death, mechanism of death and manner of death.
VI. Chapter 9-10 Physiology of Alcohol and Poison and Advanced Concepts in DNA
I. Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons - students will learn that a forensic toxicologist must
understand how alcohol and other drugs and poisons are metabolized in the body as well as the
proper methods of detection. A forensic toxicologist will collaborate with the law enforcement,
pathologists, and crime-scene investigators to determine if a victim or perpetrator is -or-was-
under the influence of alcohol, a drug, or some type of poison.




Describe the role of forensic toxicologist.
Discuss the legal importance of blood alcohol levels.
Explain the effects of alcohol and specific drugs and poisons on the body.
Describe the analytical techniques for detection and identification of alcohol, poisons,
and toxins in body fluids.
Advanced Concepts in DNA- each student will separate DNA from their own cheek cells.











Swish small amount of water in mouth for 30-45 seconds
Spit the mouthwash into test tube.
Place one drop of detergent in mouthwash and gently mix
Pour 3 mol of isopropyl alcohol in mouthwash
DNA will appear in alcohol layer.
Differentiate between the various types of DNA analysis
Compare and contrast the methods of extracting DNA
Explain the proper methods of collecting DNA evidence at a crime scene.
History of Toxicology
Determining Alcohol Levels
Poisons
4.Drugs
5.Toxicological Testing and Procedures
6.Structure and Function of DNA
7. DNA analysis Procedures
8.Collecting DNA evidence
Key Assignment: 1. Get to the Vet Activity; Differentiate between physical and chemical
reactions and identify the insecticide that poisoned Sherlock. 2. Immunoassay Activity; Perform
an immunoassay test and Interpret the result of the test. 3. Urinalysis Activity; Perform a
urinalysis test and Interpret the results of the test. 4. Blood Alcohol and Calculations;
Determine the correlation between breath alcohol levels and blood alcohol levels. 5.
DNA Extraction Lab; Examine the usefulness of this lab in understanding the role of
DNA analysis in identifying suspects. 6. DNA Profiling Lab; Build a DNA model and simulate
the processes of building a DNA fingerprint.
VIII. Chapter 12 Forensic Entomology
L. Forensic Entomology - students will learn the basic techniques used by forensic entomologists
to collect specimens, identify various insect species, and estimate the time of death of the
deceased.







Define forensic entomology
Describe and discuss the anatomy and life cycle of insects
Estimate time of death using insect evidence
Examine the effects of insects on human remains
Evaluate the use of entomological evidence to solve crimes
Demonstrate proper procedures for collection and preservation of entomological
evidence.
Describe the impact of weather on met aphorize
VII. Chapter 11 Forensic Odontology
K. Forensic Odontology - each student will learn the basic scientific rationale and techniques
used by a forensic odonatologist when examining teeth and bite marks and compare known teeth
or bite marks in order to identify a victim or perpetrator.





Describe the structure of a typical tooth
Compare and contrast permanent and deciduous human dentition
Recognize the value of odontology in forensic investigations
Explain how teeth and craniofacial features are helpful in estimating age, ancestry, and
sex
Differentiate between the dentition of humans and other animals
1. Structure and Function of Teeth
2.Use of Teeth to estimate physical characteristics



Age Estimation
Ancestry Estimation
Sex Estimation
3. Use of teeth to determine positive identification
4. Dental Records
5. Human Bite Marks
6. Animal Bite Marks
Key Assignment: 1. Castings Activity; make castings of teeth impressions and create
transparency correlations of bite marks and teeth. 2. Bite Mark Comparison; properly examine
and record bite mark information. 3. Comparison of Animal Teeth; Identify different types of
teeth and determine an animal's diet based on its teeth. 4.
Course content:
IX. Chapter 13 - 14 Crime and Accident Reconstruction and Cyber Crime
M. Crime and Accident Reconstruction - each student will learn the procedures for safeguarding,
searching, recognition, documentation, collection, and reconstruction of physical evidence
recovered at the scene of a crime.




Discuss possible motives for crime -scene staging.
Describe the five levels of an accident investigation.
Compare and contrast skid marks and yaw marks.
Evaluate factors that can lead to incorrect reconstruction.
N. Cyber Crimes - students will learn the process of collecting, examining, documenting, and
presenting evidence in cyber-crime.
Discuss typical uses for the Internet.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Differentiate among the three general categories of cyber-crimes.
Discuss the process of investigating and processing various types of computer evidence.
Examine how cyber evidence s documented.
Explain the importance of the experts witness in cyber-crimes.
Discuss concerns associated with the future of cyber-crimes.
X. Chapter 15- 16 Digital Responsibilities and Criminal Profiling
O. Criminal Profiling-each students will learn the basic techniques used by trained individuals to
evaluate criminal behavior. Thorough evaluations of the crime- scene, examination of the data
accumulated by crime-scene investigators, and a detailed interview with the victim
help profilers establish a profile of the suspect. As criminal profiling has evolved, it has become
a pivotal component in apprehending criminals.




Explain the stages of the criminal profiling process.
Assess the importance of victimology in the criminal profiling process.
Differentiate between the roles of the investigator and the profiler.
Explain the value of developing a victim's time line.
Key Assignments:
Key Assignments
I. Chapter 1-2 Overview of Forensics, Interrogation and Forensic Reporting
A. Overview of Forensics- each student will learn the two types of evidence, proper handling,
collection, observation, and processing evidence and documenting the chain of custody
Key Assignment: 1. Liftoff Activity; Describe the behavior of gases in an enclosed system. 2.
Gunshot Residue Activity; Distinguish between presumptive and confirmatory test for gunshot
residue and Identify the necessity for a control sample. 3. Microscopic Examination; Separate
various components of "explosion debris" based on physical properties. 4. Anatomy of a chicken
wing Activity; Identify the relationship between structure and function of bones and muscles and
Compare and contrast a chicken wing to the arm of a human. 5.Dem Bones Activity; Determine
sex by examining features of various bones and estimate the height of an individual based on the
length of long bones of the body.
B. Interrogation and Forensic Reporting - each student will learn the importance of greater skill
and training to process crime scene ,interview witnesses, and solve crime. Truthful reporting and
attention to detail, and objectivity are all integral component to building and sustaining respect
and integrity in law enforcement.
Key Assignment: 1. Pick a Penny; describe the importance of observations skills in
identification. 2. Sock Lab; Collect and Identify trace evidence and Illustrate proper
documentation of data. 3. Create your own Crime Scene; Apply forensic terminology correctly to
a scenario and Evaluate the probative value of evidence in a scenario. 4. Drive-By Shooting
Activity; complete Different types of reports properly and Reconstruct a chain of events from
witness and police statements.
Chapter 3 Forensic Laboratory Techniques
C. Forensic Laboratory Techniques- each student will learn that at a crime scene, an investigator
must collect evidence that will be processed in the crime lab. Recognize the importance of
samples from known sources or of known identity to determine the technique used to process
that can provide irrefutable evidence of a potential suspect's guilt.
Key Assignments: 1. Separating Mixtures; Determine physical properties of various materials
and Evaluate the success of the experiment. 2. Microscopy Lab activity; Operate a compound
microscope and Sketch samples in the field view. 3. Paper Chromatography; Perform paper
chromatography and Determine whether the document had been altered. 4. Smooch Activity;
Use chromatography to distinguish between the four similar shades of lipstick and Differentiate
between the lip patterns. 5. Fingerprinting; Develop fingerprints using silver nitrate.
III. Chapter 4 Arson and Fire Investigation
D. Arson and Fire Investigation- each student will learn the the definition of arson is the
malicious burning of property. It is a legal term, and the definition varies from state to state and
from country to country. When a fire is reported, fire fighters, investigator, and forensic
scientists collaborate to determine the cause and origin of the fire as well as whether arson was
involved.
Key Assignment: 1.Exothermic Reactions Activity; Determine the best proportion of chemicals
to make an effective hot pack and properly collect, record, and interpret data. 2. Investigation
Activity; Identify the correct procedure for searching a fire scene and evaluate investigative
procedures. 3. Super Sniffers Activity; Recognize the value of using dogs to detect
accelerants and Using their sense of smell to make careful observation.
IV. Chapter 5-6 Explosion and Body System
E. Explosions- each student will learn the importance of safety when investigating any crime
scene. Residual evidence must be processed carefully as there is threat of secondary explosion or
detonation of secondary unexploded materials.
V. Chapter 7-8 Physical Trauma and Autopsy
G. Physical Trauma - students will learn the procedure to interpret injuries in violent crime.
Recognize the skills of various trained crime- scene investigators and medical personnel in
examining wounds, taking pictures, and examine possible tools that could have caused the injury.
H. Autopsy- each student distinguish the importance of photographs for a forensic pathologist to
determine the events surrounding at the death scene. After evidence is collected at the scene, the
body is transferred to the morgue and the medical examiner or coroner is responsible for
determining the cause, manner and mechanism of death.
8.The Autopsy report
Key Assignment: 1. Stab Wounds Activity; Distinguish between the wounds made by different
knives and explain the difference between perforating and penetrating wounds. 2. Bone Trauma
Activity; develop a pal for testing the effects of different forms of trauma on "bones" and
describe the effects of various forms of trauma on bones. 3. Fetal Pig Dissection; Perform a
whole- body dissection of a vertebrate and explain the organs of a system function together for
performance of a specific process. 4. Death Scenarios Activity; Create a scenario to illustrate
cause of death, mechanism of death and manner of death.
VI. Chapter 9-10 Physiology of Alcohol and Poison and Advanced Concepts in DNA
I. Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons - students will learn that a forensic toxicologist must
understand how alcohol and other drugs and poisons are metabolized in the body as well as the
proper methods of detection. A forensic toxicologist will collaborate with the law enforcement,
pathologists, and crime-scene investigators to determine if a victim or perpetrator is -or-wasunder the influence of alcohol, a drug, or some type of poison.
Key Assignment: 1. Get to the Vet Activity; Differentiate between physical and chemical
reactions and identify the insecticide that poisoned Sherlock. 2. Immunoassay Activity; Perform
an immunoassay test and Interpret the result of the test. 3. Urinalysis Activity; Perform a
urinalysis test and Interpret the results of the test. 4. Blood Alcohol and Calculations;
Determine the correlation between breath alcohol levels and blood alcohol levels. 5.
DNA Extraction Lab; Examine the usefulness of this lab in understanding the role of
DNA analysis in identifying suspects. 6. DNA Profiling Lab; Build a DNA model and simulate
the processes of building a DNA fingerprint.
VII. Chapter 11 Forensic Odontology
K. Forensic Odontology - each student will learn the basic scientific rationale and techniques
used by a forensic odonatologist when examining teeth and bite marks and compare known teeth
or bite marks in order to identify a victim or perpetrator.
Key Assignment: 1. Castings Activity; make castings of teeth impressions and create
transparency correlations of bite marks and teeth. 2. Bite Mark Comparison; properly examine
and record bite mark information. 3. Comparison of Animal Teeth; Identify different types of
teeth and determine an animal's diet based on its teeth. 4.
VIII. Chapter 12 Forensic Entomology
L. Forensic Entomology - students will learn the basic techniques used by
forensic entomologists to collect specimens, identify various insect species, and estimate the
time of death of the deceased.
IX. Chapter 13 - 14 Crime and Accident Reconstruction and Cyber Crime
M. Crime and Accident Reconstruction - each student will learn the procedures for safeguarding,
searching, recognition, documentation, collection, and reconstruction of physical evidence
recovered at the scene of a crime.
N. Cyber Crimes - students will learn the process of collecting, examining, documenting, and
presenting evidence in cyber-crime.
X. Chapter 15- 16 Digital Responsibilities and Criminal Profiling
O. Criminal Profiling-each students will learn the basic techniques used by trained individuals to
evaluate criminal behavior. Thorough evaluations of the crime- scene, examination of the data
accumulated by crime-scene investigators, and a detailed interview with the victim
help profilers establish a profile of the suspect. As criminal profiling has evolved, it has become
a pivotal component in apprehending criminals.
Instruction Methods and/or Strategies
Apply scientific reasoning to mock crime scene challenges and will be able to problem solve,
think critically and interpret their laboratory results.
Maintain a properly documented laboratory notebook detailing their scientific investigations and
analysis.
Use technology and advanced tools in their laboratory investigation and data presentation.
Be assessed through a variety of assessment tools including their performance on lab
investigations and activities.
Principal methods of learning include lecture, demonstration, case study analysis, forensic
journal readings, lab activities and experiments. This course will emphasize potential career
pathways, critical thinking, problem-solving, observation, data analysis, data collection, digital
photography and technology in addition to scientific skills and techniques.
Assessments Including Methods and/or Tools
INFORMAL
Written Reflections. These popular assessment have students reflect immediately following a
learning opportunity to answer one or two basic questions like:: “What was the most important
thing you learned today?”;“What important question remains unanswered?”
Polls/Surveys. Data on student opinions, attitudes, behaviors or confidence in understanding can
be gathered either during class or outside of class. This illustrates student engagement with the
material as well as prior knowledge, misconceptions, and comprehension.
Checks for Understanding. Pausing every few minutes to see whether students are following
along with the lesson not only identifies gaps in comprehension, but helps break up lectures into
more digestible bites.
FORMAL
Group presentations. Report on progress of Crime scene investigations, proposing and
supporting theories. What is evidence exist? What is known? What is unknown?, What
questions still need to answered?
In-class teacher assigned activities. Having students work in pairs or small groups to solve
problems creates space for powerful peer-to-peer learning and rich class discussion. Instructors
and TAs can roam the classroom as students work, helping those who get stuck and guiding
those who are headed in the wrong direction.
Lab Reports. Students will work in investigative teams; pairs or small groups to present their
findings in a logical scientific method, defending the results and suppositions. Written a concise
well worded report, communicating visually and demonstration of the problem solving used will
be graded using a 4 point rubric scoring system.
Quizzes. Use of quizzes Gauge students’ prior knowledge, assess progress midway through a
unit, create friendly in-class competition, review before the test -- quizzes can be great tools that
don't have to count heavily toward students' grades.
Thematic Units Learning Modules. Canvas and other Learning Management Systems allow
students to solve problems or answer questions along the way. This can provide you with
analytics on student responses and class performance so you can tailor your instruction to their
particular learning needs.