1. Forensic Science

2. Scientific Method Observe the Problem Observe the Problem Ask a Question Ask a Question Collect data, make observations, take measurements Collect data, make observations, take measurements Form a Hypothesis Form a Hypothesis Make observations and collect data Make observations and collect data Hypothesis – a statement that explains observations that can be tested Hypothesis – a statement that explains observations that can be tested Is supported or refuted, never proven to be true beyond all doubt. Is supported or refuted, never proven to be true beyond all doubt.

3. Scientific Method Test your Hypothesis Test your Hypothesis Experimenting – process of testing a hypothesis by gathering data under controlled conditions Experimenting – process of testing a hypothesis by gathering data under controlled conditions Compare control group to an experimental group Compare control group to an experimental group Independent Variable – experimentally manipulated variable Independent Variable – experimentally manipulated variable Dependent Variable – the responding variable in the experiment Dependent Variable – the responding variable in the experiment

4. Scientific Method Record and Analyze Data Record and Analyze Data Form a Conclusion Form a Conclusion Support or Refute Support or Refute

5. Forensic Science Forensic Science Forensic Science Application of scientific methods to solving legal problems. Application of scientific methods to solving legal problems.

6. Forensic Science Collecting Physical Evidence Collecting Physical Evidence Physical Evidence Physical Evidence Tangible things left at crime scene Tangible things left at crime scene Evidence Factor Importance to Court Where evidence is found May have been planted Time it is found May have been there before crime Way it is gathered Could be contaminated Way it is removed from crime scene Incorrectly labeled could be confused with other cases How it is documented and preserved If stored incorrectly, it could be contaminated and useless

7. Forensic Science Crime Scene Procedures Crime Scene Procedures All witnesses located and identified All witnesses located and identified Crime scene is secured Crime scene is secured No evidence removed or moved No evidence removed or moved No evidence tampered with or altered No evidence tampered with or altered No evidence is lost No evidence is lost Non-evidence kept away from scene Non-evidence kept away from scene All evidence is identified All evidence is identified Fingerprints, footprints, tiremarks are preserved for later use Fingerprints, footprints, tiremarks are preserved for later use

8. Forensic Science Crime Scene Procedures Crime Scene Procedures Evidence is found and location is documented Evidence is found and location is documented Lift evidence without contaminating Lift evidence without contaminating Mark container w/location, date, time, and name Mark container w/location, date, time, and name Turn evidence to proper area Turn evidence to proper area

9. Forensic Science Finding Trace Evidence Finding Trace Evidence Fingerprints and other physical impressions Fingerprints and other physical impressions Dusted to make visible, lift, store Dusted to make visible, lift, store

10. Forensic Science Evidence Gathering Tools Evidence Gathering Tools Five senses Five senses Gloves Gloves Notebooks and pen Notebooks and pen Camera Camera Plaster Plaster Dusting powder Dusting powder Etc. Etc.

11. Forensic Science Forensic Laboratory Forensic Laboratory Sterile Lab Sterile Lab Fiber Fiber Fingerprint Fingerprint Hair Hair DNA DNA Etc. Etc.

12. Forensic Science “Backpack Mystery” “Backpack Mystery”