Pig Studies Update and files on wiki

All files for unit 2 are now on the wiki. If you do not have Microsoft Office, please look at the last two files in the Unit 2 folder and there you will find links to all the unit files in google docs (can be accessed by any computer with an Internet connection.

Here's a video update on the pig studies. Both of these videos were taken at about 1:15pm on Monday 9/26/2011

Pig at the bottom of the hill:


Pig on the hill:

Unit One is in the Books!

We are officially finished with unit one. Your test scores and bone lab grades are done and they will be in Powerschool by the end of the school day on Friday. Your test score averages were great!

Friday we will begin our unit on crime scene reconstruction and law (Miranda rights, chain of evidence, etc.). The powerpoint notes for unit two are posted at the wiki and I will convert them to google docs by the beginning of next week (look for these on the wiki as well in a document called "Unit Two Google Docs". You will be able to load these on any computer (no Microsoft Office needed). We will also continue our fetal pig entomology studies, and I am seeking students who will come in over the weekend to document progress, both in pictures and notes. Yes, extra credit will be given for those who come in and do this. Let me know on Friday if you are interested.

Just a reminder that at the end of this unit I will be assigning the dollhouse crime scene project, so keep your eyes open for any materials you may have at home that could be used in your crime scene construction.

Here's to another great week!

Another great week in the books - TEST ON WED

Its been another great week. You all did a great job with the anthropology lab and it sounds like was learned quite a bit while viewing the autopsy video.

Next week we will begin our entomology & decomposition studies with the donated fetal pigs and our recently acquired frogs (click the following link to read more on one of the frogs: http://landrybiology.blogspot.com/2011/09/rip-stewart-schedule-for-week-of.html)

Remember we will be going outside rain or shine, warm or cold, so please dress accordingly. Tennis shoes are recommended and can be left in the classroom for the next two weeks if you desire.

Our first test will be on Wednesday, Sept. 21. I have uploaded a review ppt to wiki so you can print it off at your convenience. On Thursday we will begin our second unit on physical evidence and crime scene documentation. Click here for the review powerpoint

Have a good weekend.

Notes for the week are posted

The notes for the next week are now posted at the wiki. You will also find a unit one review powerpoint posted that will help in getting prepared for the first test in class sometime during the week of Sept. 19. I will post a schedule for the week soon.

Here's the plan for Monday (rem - student interest inventory due):
1. Review the first week (locard principle, basic services, definition of death, etc.)
2. Discuss the work of a pathologist
     A. Basics
     B. Types of death
     C. Autopsy overview
     D. Rigor Mortis (problem set)
     E. Livor Mortis
     F. Algor Mortis (problem set)

Also, if all goes as plans, we will be viewing an autopsy video on Wednesday. If you have not turned in your parent letter / syllabus signature sheet, then you will NOT be able to view the video.

Welcome to Forensic Science at Sparta High School

After ten long years, the class is finally a reality at Sparta High School. Congratulations on being part of the first group of students to go through the course. This blog will be used to keep both students and parents up to date on the happenings of this great class. I suggest you use the follow by email feature on the upper right side of the screen.

Many of the files used for this class will be available online through either Google docs or through the class wiki.
Here's the schedule for the first week of class:

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011

• Intro to class
• CSI on CBS vs. real CSI in-class activity
• Class syllabus (click here for link) & expectations (parent letter due 9-8-11 - file will be on the wiki)

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011

• Circle map of self opener
• Finish syllabi & expectations
• Intro Locard's exchange principle (see ppt. on wiki)
• Deadly picnic - deductive reasoning activity (due 9-8-11) - (see wiki)

Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011

• Parent letter and rental fee due
• Locard's exchange principle activity
• World of forensic science overview (see ppt on wiki)
• Student interest inventory assigned (due Mon. 9-12-11) (will be on wiki soon)

Friday, Sept. 9, 2011

• Review Thursday
• CSI effect reading and reporting (see wiki)