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Intro to Forensic Science Teacher Guide
The term “forensic science” refers to the acquisition of knowledge gained from the evidence, analysis, and investigator interpretations with the goal of presenting this knowledge before individuals in the judicial system.
While television, movies, and podcasts have popularized forensic science, much of what is portrayed in the media is not accurate. Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview homeschool curriculum was developed to teach your students how to use keen observational techniques, understand the disciplines that make up forensic science, and know how to apply them to seeking first the Kingdom of God.
In every lesson, applicable Scripture is woven throughout the text, along with practical labs, and review materials. Case studies are included to raise the student’s awareness of some of the most famous crimes in history, both solved and unsolved, while examining real investigative practices, time frames, and judicial results. Because of the sensitive nature of the case studies, this course is recommended to 11th and 12th grade students.
Course Objectives
- Study forensic science through a biblical lens and learn how science clearly confirms the Bible.
- Discover how casts are taken of shoeprints and tire marks and how they are used in investigation.
- Evaluate fire and blood spatter patterns and how they are used to determine origin and method.
- Explore several types of microscopes and their purposes in forensic science.
- Examine the role of alcohol, drugs, tools, insects, and more in crime scene investigation.
Course Features:
- 45 minutes per lesson, 5x per week
- Convenient daily schedule, saving you time!
- Full-color student & teacher text
- Perforated, 3-hole punched worksheets
- Recommended Grade Level: 11th – 12th
- Exercises, labs, extension activities and assessments
- One year course to earn one science credit
Curriculum Requirements:
- Student Text - Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview
- Teacher Guide – Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview
About the Author:
Jennifer Hall Rivera EdD is the Director of Educational Programs for Answers in Genesis. Her interest in the forensic sciences started at an early age and is credited to the godly instruction of her father, a renowned fingerprint expert. Her experience in the field of forensic science includes employment in a crime scene unit, over a decade of teaching, journal publications, and numerous speaking events.
Content Warning: This course deals with real criminal case studies and discusses sensitive topics. Parental discretion is advised.
Laying a foundational understanding of forensics and the criminal justice system through a biblical worldview, this upper-level science course provides an engaging real-life elective for science minded students. Beginning with an introduction to forensic science and the two types of science (historical and observational), the course covers evaluating the crime science, evidence collection and documentation, types of evidence (physical, biological, and transitory), forensic tools and specialties, and the judicial system. Throughout the course, students examine forensic science through a biblical worldview and learn how DNA compliments Biblical truth, what the Bible says about alcohol and drug use, weapons and murder, and much more. Through their study of forensics, students are introduced to case studies that outline a related crime or event. Parents are encouraged to preview the case study prior to students as the cases may be disturbing to young minds. A sampling of case studies includes Jon Benet Ramsey, Ted Bundy, the death of Michael Jackson, Rev. Jim Jones and Jonestown, and the OK City Bombing.
The Student Text is engagingly written, with age-appropriate explanations, and colorful photographs, illustrations, and diagrams. While the topics are challenging or difficult, discretion is used to present the information to students. The Teacher Guide includes a 36-week daily schedule, reproducible student pages, tests, labs activities, and answer keys. The course contains 34 lessons, divided into 8 units. Each lesson covers a specific forensic topic or discipline. Each unit concludes with a test. There are also two cumulative tests– one for each semester. A hands-on activity or lab experiment accompanies most lessons. These vary from building DNA from marshmallows and licorice, to fingerprinting and fiber examinations using a microscope. Numerous household items are required. You will also need a high school level microscope (400x), safety googles, blank microscope slides and cover slips, iodine, ink pad, fingerprint powder and brush, petri dishes, stirring rods, pH strips, test tubes (up to 4), test tube racks, exam gloves (Nitrile), safety gloves, water dropper, acetone, and an electronic balance. A full list is available in the Teacher Guide and in a PDF on our website. Both books are required for the course and available individually or in a convenient package.
This is a well-done course that introduces teens to the fascinating world of forensics, which may prepare them for a future career or provide knowledge to better understand the world. As a homeschool mom who created my own forensics course for my curious teens, I found this course to be well-organized and comprehensive. Highly recommended for science-minded teens and parents!
Product Format: | Paperback |
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Brand: | Master Book Publishers |
Grades: | 11-12 |
ISBN: | 9781683442424 |
Length in Inches: | 10.875 |
Width in Inches: | 8.375 |
Height in Inches: | 1.375 |
Weight in Pounds: | 3.3 |