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Description
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. Student Text does not contain any student worksheets or activities. The Teacher Guide includes a 36-week daily schedule, reproducible student pages, tests, labs activities, and answer keys. Please note, families with additional students taking the course will need to copy the student pages, which is a few hundred pages. You may wish to purchase a second Teacher Guide if you prefer not to make copious copies. 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!
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.