Course Information
Course Schedule









Course Syllabus

Lithia Springs High School

2022/2023 Syllabus


Course Name

Forensic Science

Instructor(s)

Ms. Jada Vinsang       [email protected]

Ms. Julie Cox            [email protected]

Phone

(770)651-6823

Website

https://lshs.dcssga.org/departments/science/jada_vinsang


Course Description

This Forensic Science course is designed to build upon science concepts from previous courses and apply science to the investigation of crime scenes. Students will learn the scientific protocols for analyzing a crime scene, 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, and explosive evidence.


Curriculum Overview

The following academic concepts will be covered during this course.  This framework was developed according to the Georgia Standards of Excellence.


Learning Segments

Unit 1: Intro to Forensics, Law & Crime Scene

Standard:  SFS2

Unit 2:  Physical Evidence, Soil, Glass & Fingerprints

Standard:  SFS2 & SFS4

Unit 3:  Drugs, Toxins & Alcohol

Standard:  SFS3

Unit 4:  Hair, Fiber, Blood & Chromatography

Standard:  SFS2 & SFS3

Unit 5:  Medicolegal Death Investigations

Standard:  SFS3 & SFS5

*Additional standards that will be covered are listed below, however those listed above are the priority standards to be mastered by the end of the course. 



Description of Standards

SFS1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to properly conduct a forensic investigation of a crime scene.


SFS2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on various scientific techniques to analyze physical, trace, and digital evidence.


SFS3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information relating to biological evidence in forensic investigations. 


SFS4. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze the role of impression evidence in order to make a physical match examination. 


SFS5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to Medicolegal Death Investigations.


Required Materials

  • ALL students are to bring their assigned device (Chromebook, laptop, tablet, etc.) fully charged DAILY

  • Suggested- 2” or 3” three ring binder

    • Dividers for EACH unit

    • Notebook paper

    • Pen or pencil

    • Highlighter


Grading System

A variety of approaches, methodologies, and resources shall be used to deliver educational services and to maximize each student’s opportunity to succeed. Teachers shall evaluate student progress, report grades that represent the student’s academic achievement, and communicate official academic progress to students and parents in a timely manner through the electronic grading portal.


Grading Scale

90-100 A

80-89 B

71-79 C

70 D

0-69 F


Assignment weights

Summative Assessments (projects & tests)

50%

Formative Assessments (classwork & quizzes)

30%

Final Exam

20%

*Academic Honesty:  Receiving AND/OR giving information for an assignment is cheating and when caught in the act, ALL involved students will not receive credit nor receive the opportunity for a chance of make-up. Plagiarism is not acceptable. If a student takes information from the internet or any printed resources without providing the proper credit, that work should not be submitted.

*Late Work:  All work is to be submitted by the due dates as stated.  Failure to do so may result in the penalty of reduced credit.  Once an assignment is late, credit will be reduced by one letter grade for each day it is late.  After two days, the credit will not exceed a score of 70.  All assignments must be submitted before the conclusion of the current grading period.  

*Make-up work:  Announced work, such as homework, projects, quizzes and tests, will still be due the day a student returns.  This is granted the student was present on the day the work/assessment was assigned.  For each day’s excused absence, students will have ONE day to make-up missed work.  If a student is absent under extenuating circumstances, special arrangements can be made to make up work. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to check Calendar/Google Classroom t0 view and/or request missed work.

*Opportunities for remediation will be offered on TESTS ONLY, unless otherwise stated.  To qualify, this must be completed IN CLASS and within ONE WEEK of the test administration.  Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis, at the discretion of the teacher.  Additional assistance is available (i.e. questions on classwork, make-up work, etc.) on Thursdays after-school from 3:40 to 4:00 p.m.


Classroom Expectations

Norms

1. Be prepared for class each day.  

2. Be respectful of the teacher and other students. Disrespect will NOT be tolerated!

3. Follow instructions when given…the FIRST TIME!

4. Do not bother the possessions of others or objects in the classroom.

5. Make contributions to preserving a positive learning environment.

6. Put forth your best effort at all times

7. Pay attention, participate and ask questions.


Procedures/Rules

1. Arrive on time and ready to learn.

2. Everyday, all students should: enter the classroom, have a seat and complete the “Warm-up.

3. As ALL students come to class ready to learn, you should have your chromebook and any work that is due. (You have time after you have completed your warm-up and begin to prepare for the day’s lesson...USE THIS TIME WISELY!)

4. Homework should be submitted at the beginning of class. If it is not in the bin by the time we have reviewed the warm-up, it will be considered late and the late penalty will apply.

5. The heading on all papers should include the following in the top right hand corner: first AND last name, Date & Period  ALWAYS!

6. You are to remain in your seat, unless granted permission to do otherwise.  Do not line up at the door for dismissal.

7. During each period, instruction will be assessed using the assignments below.  Please seek assistance when needed and use the “Suggestion Box.”

  • Independent Practice Activities

  • Exit Tickets

  • Collaborative Exercises

  • Various other activities.

8. A “Student Station” is on the front table for your convenience. You may use anything that is on this station. This is also where assignments will be turned in and assignments will be picked up if you are absent.  You may also check here for any work that you may have missed due to an absence.

9. Before you leave the room, check in and around your desk for papers and trash.

10. NO food or drink, except water.  

11. The use of profanity, derogatory or inappropriate language will not be tolerated. 

12. Technology is to be used for instructional purposes ONLY!  You can reserve a Chromebook in the media center. BYOD days MAY be used occasionally and will be announced at least ONE DAY prior to the activity.  These will be decided by the teacher.


Discipline

Both major and minor infractions will be addressed on a case by case basis in accordance with the school rules and the Lithia Springs High School Student Handbook.


Attendance/Tardies

Attendance will be taken within the first five minutes of EACH class period.  Arrival after the late bell, will be noted in Infinite Campus.  Entrance to class after the late bell and without a tardy pass is considered skipping and will result in an office referral.  The tardy policy is as follows:
1st- Warning

2nd- Warning

3rd- Parent contact (will be noted in Infinite Campus)

4th- Detention and parent contact.

5th & up- School wide detention and parent contact.


Suggestions for Success!

  • Check Google Classroom for updates FREQUENTLY!  As the day progresses, there may even be changes after you have attended class.  Every effort will be made to notify students of changes, but ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are clear on assignment due dates and instructions.

  • Ask questions and/or clarity when you do not understand or need clarification on something.  I will not know that you are experiencing difficulty unless you share this with me.  

  • Take advantage of “help sessions” offered weekly after school, to avoid getting further behind on assignments or your understanding of content.

  • Refer to Infinite Campus for discrepancies with attendance/tardies with the appropriate parties before coming to speak with me about late/make-up work. 






















Tutoring













Infinite Campus

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