Forensic Science Culminating Assessment:



Due Friday April 24, 2015

Forensic Science: A True Crime Investigation

In Forensic Science this year, we will have studied famous, controversial, and sometimes unsolved cases. As we have learned about these cases, we have also learned about the important evidence that investigators used in formulating their conclusions.

I. Your mission – research, investigate and analyze a real event or crime in which forensics has played an important role. Your job is to “dig deep” into the crime investigation – analyze the important evidence surrounding the crime and the significance behind the findings.

II. How will you begin? - Your true crime analysis must begin by reading a NONFICTION book about the crime

III. Specifics:

a. Process – Follow the timeline of a true crime from the time in which the crime occurred to the present (unless it became a cold case).

b. Evidence collection/analysis – Your analysis must have at least 3 different types of evidence collected. For each piece of evidence, you will need to:

1. Describe the specific details regarding the evidence in this crime – where was the evidence found.

2. Identify the type of evidence (class or individual). If the evidence was class, describe the effort used to individualize the evidence.

3. Describe techniques used to analyze this evidence (YOU WILL HAVE TO DO SOME OUTSIDE RESEARCH TO DO THIS SECTION JUSTICE! It is possible you’ll come across topics we have yet to cover in class or topics we don’t cover at all!)

4. Describe the significance of each piece of evidence – how did it contribute to the crime investigation? In your opinion, did it affect the course of the investigation? Should it have been treated differently than it was?

c. Discussion – 6 postings to Schoology before the final date of the project discussing your true crime non-fiction book with a peer that is reading the same book or one of a similar topic.

1. 2 postings are required during each calendar window listed below

Window 1: Monday February 23 – Friday March 13

Window 2: Saturday March 14 – Friday March 27

Window 3: Saturday March 28 – Wednesday April 22

2. Postings should be high quality and thoughtful.

3. Postings must be in your book’s assigned category, categories are below

Soliciting or Drug Dealing

BLOW

Pimp

Familial Homicide

Bitter Harvest

Dead by Sunset

Bitter Blood

Small Sacrifices

Serial Killers

Blind Eye

The Stranger Beside Me

Helter Skelter

Law Enforcement Point of View

Dead Men Do Tell Tales

Donnie Brasco

Homicide

Crime Gone Wrong

In Cold Blood

Forgery

Catch Me If You Can

Caveat Emptor

Injustice

Devil in the Grove

The Innocent Man

d. Choose from one of the following to add to your analysis:

Choice #1: How did the media affect this case? Were they influential in determining the course of the investigation? If so, how?

Choice #2: If your case was an older case, are there any Forensic techniques that were NOT readily used yet? If not, how could they have influenced the case?

e. Summary: Your final analysis will include:

1. A two-three paragraph summary of the crime – describe the basics of the crime including:

- type of crime

- individuals involved

- Date and Location of crime

- Important details regarding the crime

2. A timeline of the investigation – include and describe at least 5 important significant events that occurred during the course of the investigation

3. A critical analysis of EACH piece of evidence

4. TWO significant quotes – one from the book and one from print and why you believe these were significant

5. Answer to Choice d

6. A critical analysis of the investigation. How was the case resolved? In your opinion, was it an effective investigation? Was there something overlooked?

7. A correctly formatted works cited page (MLA format) for your references (See website for help!)

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