Forensic Terminology & Specialties
Forensic Terminology
Needing a break from the city and the grind of your daily life, you decided to head to the woods for an afternoon hike. You've been hiking in the woods for a while, and you have come across a body of a young man partially hidden by some tree branches. His head is drenched in blood and he isn't responding to any of your attempt at rousing him. Thankfully, you brought your cell phone with you today, and are lucky enough to have cell service. You call 9-1-1. Within the hour authorities arrive at the scene. The ambulance service checks for vital signs, clearly there are none. With this confirmation, police then tape off the area allowing no one in or out. The identification officers then start to comb the area for evidence.
Next, the coroner arrives and confirms the victim is dead. His body is placed in a long plastic bag and is removed from the crime scene. Later, at the morgue, a forensic pathologist examines the body for more evidence and a cause of death. Among other things, he finds a bullet. Later at the lab, firearms experts determine that the bullet was fired from a gun belonging to the victim's wife. A forensic chemist also uncovers traces of fresh gunpowder on the wife's clothing. However, shoe prints from the scene are also found, but they do not match the wife's.Is the wife guilty? It's sure beginning to look like it - the evidence is mounting against her.
Your Tasks:
Next, the coroner arrives and confirms the victim is dead. His body is placed in a long plastic bag and is removed from the crime scene. Later, at the morgue, a forensic pathologist examines the body for more evidence and a cause of death. Among other things, he finds a bullet. Later at the lab, firearms experts determine that the bullet was fired from a gun belonging to the victim's wife. A forensic chemist also uncovers traces of fresh gunpowder on the wife's clothing. However, shoe prints from the scene are also found, but they do not match the wife's.Is the wife guilty? It's sure beginning to look like it - the evidence is mounting against her.
Your Tasks:
- Explore some of the websites listed below to learn about a forensic terminology.
- On your personal GoogleDocument compile a list of terminology. You must have a minimum of 5.
- Using your own words, write a brief definition of the terms.
- Share your findings on the Padlet below; Forensic Terminology: Fall 2017.
- Share the terms and provide your definition.
- Make sure to share at least 2 unique terms, that a classmate has not already shared.
Forensic Specialties
With our fascination of crime TV it is no wonder that many of us are interested in a career in forensics and solving crime. Are these forensic specialties as exciting as they appear to be on TV? Let's get to know what various specialties there are.
Your Tasks:
Your Tasks:
- Explore some of the websites listed below to learn about a variety of forensic specialties.
- On your personal GoogleDocument compile a list of specialties. You must have a minimum of 5.
- Using your own words, write a brief description of their responsibilities/job/role.
- Share your findings on the Padlet below; Forensic Specialties: Fall 2017.
- Share the titles of the specialties and provide a brief description of what they do.
- Make sure to share at least 1 unique specialty, that a classmate has not already shared.
Website Resources:
Below is a list of some websites you may wish to visit to complete this activity. You may also visit other websites that you have found on your own. As you find your own resources, if you find them valuable, you are encouraged to share them with the class on the Forensic Resources: Fall 2017 Padlet.
- BCIT: Forensics & Science Technology: Interested in a career in forensics, check out their website which also directs you to other sites and forensic specialties.
- Department of Justice: About Canada's System of Justice: Interested in learning more about our justice system and how it is meant to protect citizens? Or are you just interested in learning some definitions. This is great place for an overview.
- Forensic Science Terms: This is a Quizlet page created by an individual. This page acts as flashcards with words and definitions that relate to forensics.
- A Simplified Guide to Crime Scene Investigations: Common Terms: A number of forensic terms can be located on this page. Basic descriptions are provided.
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences: This page provides a list of forensic scientist and provides a details explanation of what they do.