Forensics class

[Sean Bird]

I helped teach a forensics class recently. On ballistics day it was difficult to analyze the size of the bullet with just a ruler. We even tried a digital calliper. The results from analyzing the picture with the TI-Nspire were so much more satisfying.

On the blood splatter day students dropped food coloring onto paper that was on a board at an angle and measured the dimensions of the ellipse. Again I noticed that their estimations were giving unsatisfactory results, but with the TI-Nspire we got the expected answer and understanding was greatly increased.

I was even able to prove to them that it was an ellipse.

Mr. Bird

Covenant Christian High School, Indianapolis, IN

Psalm 111:2 "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them."

[John Hanna]

Especially like the ellipse.

Nice layout!!

• J

From: tins...@googlegroups.com <tins...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sean Bird
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2023 7:57 AM
To: tinspire <tins...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [tinspire] Forensics class

 

I helped teach a forensics class recently. On ballistics day it was difficult to analyze the size of the bullet with just a ruler. We even tried a digital calliper. The results from analyzing the picture with the TI-Nspire were so much more satisfying.

 

On the blood splatter day students dropped food coloring onto paper that was on a board at an angle and measured the dimensions of the ellipse. Again I noticed that their estimations were giving unsatisfactory results, but with the TI-Nspire we got the expected answer and understanding was greatly increased.

 

 

 

I was even able to prove to them that it was an ellipse.

Mr. Bird

Covenant Christian High School, Indianapolis, IN

 

Psalm 111:2 "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them."

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[Harshal Chhaya]

Hi Sean,

Thank you for sharing this excellent activity.

It's so cool to see Nspire's tools being used in new and interesting ways.

This is an exemplary cool cross-curricular STEM activity.

Thanks for sharing,

- Harshal

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[Jeff Benjamin]

Hi Sean!

I am very interested in learning more about your forensics class.  What math do you require the students to have prior to taking the class?  Do you have a curriculum you follow for this (if a written copy, could you share it?)

Thanks!

Jeff Benjamin

On Jan 23, 2023, at 7:57 AM, Sean Bird <covena...@gmail.com> wrote:



I helped teach a forensics class recently. On ballistics day it was difficult to analyze the size of the bullet with just a ruler. We even tried a digital calliper. The results from analyzing the picture with the TI-Nspire were so much more satisfying.

<image.png>

On the blood splatter day students dropped food coloring onto paper that was on a board at an angle and measured the dimensions of the ellipse. Again I noticed that their estimations were giving unsatisfactory results, but with the TI-Nspire we got the expected answer and understanding was greatly increased.

<image.png>

<image.png>

<image.png>

I was even able to prove to them that it was an ellipse.

<image.png>

Mr. Bird

Covenant Christian High School, Indianapolis, IN

Psalm 111:2 "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them."

--

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<forensics.tns>

[Sean Bird]

I taught the class with a colleague who had previously taught the class over a semester (and maybe even over a full school year), but we taught it during our 2 week J-term where they just did forensics in the morning and afternoon. So I don't easily have access to the assignment files. There was not a math pre-req, but the class consisted primarily of junior and seniors, with a few sophomores.

Course Description:

Forensics and criminology are topics that have increased in popularity and public interest over the past few years. This course will endeavor to explore the scientific principles underlying this field of study. Forensics is a one-year elective course that provides an introduction to the field of forensic science. This is an interdisciplinary course that weaves in concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. For this reason, a foundation in chemistry or physics is necessary for success. This course is centered on the application of a variety of scientific disciplines in order to establish connections between suspects, crime scenes, events, and evidence. Students will develop and refine critical thinking skills, become trained in a variety of scientific techniques and technology, and develop an appreciation for the inherent value of science.

This course will be inquiry-based with students collaborating to construct knowledge much as scientists do in the real world. This allows students to take ownership of their learning and helps them to remember key ideas.

Course Outline:

 

Date	Topics	Homework
1/3	AM Session 1:   Introduction to Criminalistics and Branches of Forensic Science                      Lecture  Session 2: Logic Puzzles Session 3: A Headache to Die For: Crime Scene Investigation Case Study PM Session 1: Evidence Collection and Crime Scene Sketches Lecture Session 2: Evidence Collection and Crime Scene Sketch Lab Session 3: Crime Scene Budget Project
	AM Session 1: Fingerprints Lecture Session 2: Fingerprints Analysis and Balloon Lab Session 3: Fingerprints Review Stations PM Session 1: Fingerprints Mystery Case Study Session 2: Collecting Fingerprints Lecture Session 3: Collecting Fingerprints Lab
1/5	AM Session 1: Fingerprints Review Worksheet Session 2: Handwriting and Graphology Activity Session 3: Handwriting Analysis Lecture PM Session 1: Handwriting Self Analysis Activity Session 2: Presidential Handwriting Activity Session 3: Ransom Note Project Part 1
1/6	AM Session 1: Ransom Note Project Part 2 Session 2: Ransom Note Project Part 3 Session 3: Handwriting Review Stations PM Session 1: Counterfeit and Forgery Lecture Session 2: Simulated Forgery Lab Session 3: Counterfeit Money Activity
1/9	AM Session 1: Hair Analysis Lecture Session 2: Medullary Index Activity Session 3: Hair Analysis Review Stations PM Session 1: Hair Lab Part 1 Session 2: Hair Lab Part 2 Session 3: Hair Lab Part 3
1/10	AM Session 1: Fiber Analysis Lecture Session 2: Fiber Lab Part 1 Session 3: Fiber Lab Part 2 PM Session 1: Ballistics Lecture Session 2: Bullet Trajectory Calculations Session 3: Ballistics Cartridge Analysis
1/11	AM Session 1: Ballistics Mystery Lab Session 2: Blood Spatter Lecture Session 3: Blood Spatter Lab Part 1 PM Session 1: Blood Spatter Lab Part 2 Session 2: Introduction to Final Project and Planning Forms Session 3: Final Project Worktime
1/12	AM Session 1: Turn in Forensics Journal and Final Project Worktime Session 2: Final Project Worktime Session 3: Final Project Worktime PM Session 1: Final Project Worktime Session 2: Final Project Worktime Session 3: Final Project Worktime
1/13	AM  Final Project prep PM Final Project Presentations and Solve

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[Jeff Benjamin]

Sean,

Thanks so much for this info!  It looks very interesting.  For us, I wonder if it would make an interesting summer school optional course as an elective.

Thanks!

Jeff Benjamin

On Jan 26, 2023, at 7:00 PM, Sean Bird <covena...@gmail.com> wrote:



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