Introduction to Forensics: A Distance Learning Program Presented by the FASNY Museum of Firefighting Educators Overview
Introduction to Forensics This Distance Learning Program is a part of the education program at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. This program will help you and your students explore and learn science concepts while learning about fire safety. The purpose of this learning program is to raise awareness and instill understanding of the nature of fire, promoting scientific discovery and fire safety and prevention. By exploring this distance learning segment, you can help your students understand the fundamental facts about fire and better comprehend basic scientific concepts of fire scene investigation. With this knowledge your students will have a raised awareness about fire safety. (For grades 7-8 Duration: Approx. 45 minutes) New York State Standards Intermediate Language Arts Level Science Core Curriculum Grades 5-8 English Language Arts Standard 1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding. Speaking and Writing: to acquire and transmit information requires asking probing and clarifying questions, interpreting information in one s own words, applying information from one context to another, and presenting the information and interpretation clearly, concisely, and comprehensibly. -organize information according to an identifiable structure, such as compare/contrast or general to specific Standard 3: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation. Listening and Speaking: to analyze and evaluate experiences, ideas, information and issues requires using evaluative criteria from a variety of perspectives and recognizing the difference in evaluations based on different sets of criteria. -analyze, interpret, and evaluate information, ideas, organization, and language from academic and nonacademic texts, such as textbooks, public documents, book and movie reviews, and editorials Speaking and Writing: for critical analysis and evaluation requires presenting opinions and judgments on experiences, ideas, information, and issues clearly, logically, and persuasively with reference to specific criteria on which the opinion or judgment is based. - use standard English, precise vocabulary, and presentational strategies effectively to influence an audience Standard 4: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction. Listening and Speaking: Oral communication in formal and informal settings requires the ability to talk with people of different ages, genders, and cultures, to adapt presentations to different audiences, and to reflect on how talk varies in different situations. - use verbal and nonverbal skills to improve communication with others Intermediate Level Science Core Curriculum Grades 5-8 Standard 1 Analysis, Inquiry, and Design Scientific Inquiry:
Key Idea 2: Beyond the use of reasoning and consensus, scientific inquiry involves the testing of proposed explanations involving the use of conventional techniques and procedures and usually requiring considerable ingenuity. S2.3 Carry out their research proposals, recording observations and measurements (e.g., lab notes, audiotape, computer disk, videotape) to help assess the explanation. S2.3a use appropriate safety procedures S2.3b conduct a scientific investigation S2.3c collect quantitative and qualitative data Key Idea 3: The observations made while testing proposed explanations, when analyzed using conventional and invented methods, provide new insights into phenomena. S3.1 Design charts, tables, graphs, and other representations of observations in conventional and creative ways to help them address their research question or hypothesis. S3.2 Interpret the organized data to answer the research question or hypothesis and to gain insight into the problem. S3.2a accurately describe the procedures used and the data gathered S3.2b identify sources of error and the limitations of data collected S3.2c evaluate the original hypothesis in light of the data Standard 6 Interconnectedness: Common Themes Models: Key Idea 2: Models are simplified representations of objects, structures, or systems used in analysis, explanation, interpretation, or design. 2.1 Select an appropriate model to begin the search for answers or solutions to a question or problem. 2.2 Use models to study processes that cannot be studied directly (e.g., when the real process is too slow, too fast, or too dangerous for direct observation). Introduction to Forensics The Distance Learning Program is broken down into the following themes in PowerPoint presentations: The four components of fire Forensics Fire Investigation Terms Fire Clues Used by Investigators Fire Investigation Basics Accident or Arson? Arson in America Role of Arson Dogs PowerPoint Fire Scene Investigation I. The elements needed for fire to ignite and sustain itself. Key Concepts: Controlling the components of fire can extinguish a fire and reduce the effects of fire and burns. Fire facts: To start and sustain a fire, oxygen, fuel, heat and a chemical reaction are needed. Fire cannot exist without all of these elements being present.
Overview of Activities: After a discussion of the fire triangle in a power point presentation, students will develop an understanding of fire, and an appreciation for preventing and extinguishing a fire.. II. Forensics Key Concepts: Firefighters must report the cause and origin of each fire they fight. Investigators sift through the remains of the fire for clues about the cause of the fire. If there is evidence of arson, the investigators also try to collect information that might help police identify and locate the arsonist. Experts estimate that one out of every three fires in the United States is set intentionally. 55% of all arson arrests in the US are children under 18 Overview of Activities: In a power point presentation students will be introduced to fire investigation terms: point of origin, burn patterns, accelerants, and arson. The fire clues used to identify a fire as an accident or arson will be presented, as well as fire investigation methods. Arson in America will be addressed. With this knowledge your students will gain a raised awareness about fire safety. III. Arson Dogs Key Concepts: Dogs have been valuable fire service animals in firefighting history. The Dalmatian in particular has played an important role when horses conveyed fire apparatus to a scene of a fire. Dogs have a keen sense of smell which makes them valuable in arson investigation. Arson dogs are trained to identify accelerants at the scene of a fire, and they can save investigator hours of time locating accelerants. Humans have limitations of the five senses. The anatomy of the canine nose makes it possible for dogs to detect odors that human nose cannot detect. This ability has made arson dogs valuable in arson investigations. Overview of Activities: In a power point presentation students will be introduced to the anatomy of the canine nose, and how it compares to the human nose. Dogs can pinpoint the location of an accelerant at a fire scene and can even help in locating the arsonist, who may be at the scene. In a short news clip students will witness how arson dogs are trained. IV. Fire Scene Investigation Key Concepts: Fire investigation is one of the most difficult of the forensic sciences to practice. Investigating any fire is a complex process, requiring a combination of thorough evidence collection and deductive reasoning. Taken individually, some the evidence here might suggest an accidental blaze. All of the evidence, taken as a whole, must be considered to determine if a fire was an accident or arson. Overview of Activities: Accident or Arson? Students will have the opportunity to put their knowledge of arson investigation to use by investigating a model of a fire scene. Taking the role of a fire investigator, they will have the opportunity to survey a model scene and identify the evidence that could reveal whether the fire was accidental or intentionally set. Evaluation: Oral Evaluation
Worksheets and Activities for the Distance Learning Program: Introduction to Forensics Pre program activities include: Using Observations Skills with supplied sketch, Taking and Classifying Fingerprints with supplied fingerprint chart, Optional Teacher demonstrations of dusting for fingerprints and basic chromatography. Post Program activities include: an activity Come to Your Senses Distance Learning Segment- Arson Investigation: Accident or Arson? data table provided PLEASE NOTE: Pre program materials for Observation Skills and the handout of fingerprint patterns are supplied. Post program materials for Come to Your Senses are supplied: sandpaper samples and CD of sounds for identification.