Course Syllabus

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Welcome to Forensic Science!

This Course was Developed and Designed by Rene Carter, PLC Science Educator, Union County Public Schools. 

Prerequisites for Forensics: Biology I, Earth Science, and a Physical Science Course

This course centers around the evidence found at crime scenes and the role of forensic scientists in using this information to solve crimes.  Major topics include the history and organization of crime labs, physical evidence, pattern evidence, organic and inorganic analysis, toxicology, arson, and explosive investigation and more. This course also promotes the inquisitive nature of its students and works to instill a deep and sincere appreciation for the world and the contents therein. We will be using math, English, and history in this classroom. Forensic science is designed to introduce students to the techniques, skills, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory.  Students can expect hands-on activities involving the processing of crime scenes and the analysis of evidence.  The intent of this course is to move forensic science into the real world of criminal investigation, making science relevant and pertinent for each student.

We will also cover a variety of case studies, look into sherlock Holmes, read about cold cases, watch documentaries, and participate in hands-on labs.

FAQs:

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

What if you are STRUGGLING?? 

Always inform the teacher! You can email or ask to talk to me privately. Communication is Key!
I'm lost

Tutoring will be offered!

 It is always best to email your teacher for help. We can set up canvas conferences and other resources to assist you in various ways.

Do not wait when you are struggling because you will only be further behind. 

 

Will we be using Canvas??? YES AND YES

It is expected that you Check Canvas on a regular basis, even if you are absent. 

Cite your sources whenever possible so your assignments do not become flagged for plagiarism. Do not copy other student's assignments, documents or answers. Plagiarism and cheating will result in a zero in the grade book. Don't Forget the Honor Code. Use: http://www.citationmachine.net/apa 

 

Bitmoji ImageAssignments will be graded at least once a week manually by the instructor and will sync with PowerSchool. Go back to the assignment to see any comments from the instructor. Assignments can always be resubmitted, as long it is still within the grading period window. If technical issues arise, notify the teacher ASAP! Other websites we may use with login details can be found in announcements

Homework:  Student

Honors vs CP Students:

Students earning credit for an Honors level course receive an elevated number of Quality Points for their Grade Point Average. Honors students will have some assignments assigned differently than CP students, with different titles and requirements or additional steps on assignments. Honors means the course load is higher, more demanding and the activities are more challenging. You will do essays, projects, and labs. You are expected to challenge yourself on a daily basis. Time in class will be given for HW and there will be moments when you will have to do some at home. HW is proven to increase productivity, engagement, and scores; not to mention the highest achieving schools in America assign roughly 3 hours of HW on a daily basis. You are expected to look over your notes and be prepared for quizzes and other assessments. Honors courses will move at a fast pace to allow time to incorporate higher-level activities. 

 

      • Required extension opportunities that are directly related to the Standard Course of Study. This includes additional content beyond that covered in the College Preparatory level.
      • More challenging coursework and assessments. Students will be expected to demonstrate higher levels of understanding for grades.
      • Projects and presentations will be more in depth.
      • Students will have to focus and study regularly to master the content.
      • The expectation that students can move through the coursework at an accelerated pace and students experiencing difficulty should quickly seek guidance from their teacher on how they can be more successful.

 

What if you are absent?

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  • You are still expected to do the work. You are given 3 days as mentioned in the Handbook and the course syllabus to complete work from the day you are absent.
  • Email me if it is long term, so we can help to make sure you do not fall behind. 
  • If I accidently mark you absent, just message me kindly. Sometimes I forget to cross reference field and sports events.

 

 

If your Instructor is not here...

 

Look at the DAILY ANNOUNCEMENT and complete all the instructions.

 

  • Do not expect the substitute to tell you what to do for the day.
  • If you have difficulty on the material or content, feel free to email me
  • If you have technology issues, tell the substitute asap and contact technology support
  • If you find yourself in need of a counselor, send them an email first to see if they are available. If you do see your counselor during class, have the counselor email me. 
  • Pick up any handouts and always complete them.
      • Turn them in if the announcement says so in the front turn-in bin. 
  • Keep the room clean and organized. If you borrow any supplies return them.
      • They belong to either the school or myself. Do not destroy or steal any items.
  • Know that I will send emails and make phone calls home or to coaches, if I need to. 

I will occasionally have other teachers, administrators and staff come to check up on you. I have high expectations for each of you! 

 

Materials & How to Be Successful

Course Materials:

Bare Minimum Items:

  • 2 inch 3 ring binder (For notes) *Not shared with another class*
  • Notebook paper (to take notes on) 
  • Writing utensils (pencils, erasers, and handheld pencil sharpener) 
  • 1 Pencil Pouch/Case (To contain all their supplies)
  • 1 hole-punched Folder (Labeled: HW)
  • Clear page protectors (to contain any foldables or non-hole punched items within notebook)
check box

Recommended Items:

  • Highlighters (for note purposes)
  • Box of colored pencils (markers or crayons could also work)
  • 2-4 Glue sticks
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • Handheld sanitizer 
  • Headphones (for Chromebook; not cell phones)
  • Possible project items such as poster boards.

Some resources will and can be provided to students such as colored pencils, paper, glue, and etc. I will try my best to regularly sanitize them.

 

 

How to be Successful in my Course

 

#1: Always check canvas and read the announcements when they post.

#2: Take advantage of quiz retakes

#3: Avoid Procrastination

#4: Have a positive, friendly, and respectful manner. 

 

 

 

 

Tentative Calendar

 

When you are on the home screen click on "view course calendar" to also keep yourself up to date! I will have a weekly to-do list posted on the whiteboard with a calendar in the back of the room to remind you of the large tasks. 

Items on here are tentative to change but it gives you an idea of the topics and pacing.

 

Assignments

Assignments are 50% of your grade.  

This includes a variety of inquiry activities. Students should expect to have homework assignments or ongoing projects every night.  Please contact me if you find that your student’s homework and studies are requiring an excessive time commitment. Examples Include: Virtual Labs/Webquests/Canvas Assignments, Technology Resources such as Vocabulary.com, Legends of Learning, IXL, Albert & Khan Academy, Article Reflections, Case Study Analysis, Paperwork, HW, CW, Warm-ups, Notebooks, and Any Handout

Grading: Students should assume that every assignment will be graded unless otherwise stated.  Grades are by category, the points on an assignment do not determine it's importance over another assignment. The points just state how many questions, sections, or can assist with grading on a rubric. Each assignment in a category has its weight as listed below. Assignments on Canvas sync automatically at midnight once it is manually graded. 

 

Assignment Penalties: 

10% Per Week Late. 

 

Assessments

Assessments are 50% of your grade.

This includes a variety of summative and formative activities. Examples Include: Tests/Exams (Requires Studying), Canvas Quizzes (Requires Notetaking; Usually can be taken multiple times), and Projects (Some out of class time & Supplies needed)

Quizzes: Students are given quizzes when major standards are covered. Students are required to take it within the classroom with the same composer as you would when taking a test. No talking, No outside sources, and no notes. The second time you take it, you can use your notes unlimited times. There will be a required time between each retake. 

Projects: Students are given details when a project or essay is assigned. The Project (sometimes an Essay) will usually have about 2-3 weeks to complete it. If it is turned in a week or more early, extra credit will be given. 

Cite your sources whenever possible so your assignments do not become flagged for plagiarism. Do not copy other student's assignments, documents or answers. Plagiarism and cheating will result in a zero in the grade book. Don't Forget the Honor Code. Use: http://www.citationmachine.net/apa 

 

 

Rules

rules.jpg

CLASSROOM RULES

By this point in your high school career, some classroom rules should be obvious.  Be on time.  Bring all your materials to class.  Do your homework.  Observe common sense and common courtesy.  Please review the school regulations, expectations, and rules in the handbook. The bell does NOT dismiss the class -- I do. You will be seated for dismissal unless otherwise instructed by the teacher. Food is not allowed in class unless the instructor provides you with it. All drinks must have a lid.  Do not tamper with any lab equipment. On lab days, do not use any equipment until instructed to do so. You must sit in your assigned seat. I always have a seating chart and will move you periodically as needed.  Seating assignments are not negotiable.

 

 

Resources

 

Vocab.com

N/A
Khan Academy

N/A
Act Prep https://academy.act.org/ 
Brainpop https://www.brainpop.com/ 
CK12 https://www.ck12.org/ 
Sas Curriculum https://www.curriculumpathways.com/portal/ 
EdPuzzle https://edpuzzle.com/home 
Kahoot https://kahoot.it/ 
Quizlet https://quizlet.com/ or live.quizlet.com 
Live Science https://www.livescience.com/ 
Albert N/A
Read Theory N/A 
Common Lit N/A
Legends of Learning N/A

Helpful/Recommended Apps to Download:

Grammarly 

Diigo

Speak it

Google Keep

Google Dictionary

Google translate

 

About Me

Mrs. Rene Miller

I am new to Porter Ridge but not teaching high school science. I spent a year teaching in Stanly County before come to UCPS. I was at Forest Hills High school for 6 years. I entered the teaching realm lateral entry meaning I have some work experiences besides education students. I owned a business, worked in a zoo, and was a youth pastor before I was a teacher. I have attended Mars Hill University, Harvard, and Eastern Carolina University. I have degrees in Business and Zoology. My education licensure is in High School sciences, all sciences, besides AP. I currently have no interest in teaching AP courses. I have taught over 6 different preps on CP and honors levels. I am APEX certified. I have participated in multiple county wide curriculum writings for science. I have hosted various session to teach teachers how to use various technology platforms. I especially love Canvas. I like to have a good balance within my classroom. I am not the teacher that will dance in front of my students but I will participate in spirit week. I like ot give out candy and stickers and prizes, if my bank account allows it. I changed schools because we moved to the Indian Trail area recently. I am married, I have 5 sons. My oldest is 17 and my youngest is 2 years old. I have a dog and 3 cats; we also have a koi/goldfish pod. I shoot billiards pool on a regular basis and occasionally on the competitive level. I have many tattoos. I included my locker below so you can learn more about me. Also I included various "easter eggs" around the classroom about me. 
red.jpg57928466854__B358ED55-D344-4105-B3AD-1EE7698D04D0.JPG 49690792_943685495597_2101320368839983104_n.jpgtree.jpg sprit.jpgpimp.jpg

 

 

Parents

If you are a parent or guardian viewing this page and you have questions, email me!

Do you want to observe your child on Canvas?

 Click here

 

Parent Letter Handout 

Lesson Plans

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lesson plans.gif

 

Reach out to me on Talking Points: 

Biology Class Code

S7RW99

Handout English

Spanish Handout

Russian Handout

 

Other Useful Documents:
Materials List
Syllabus
Lab & Materials we will use
Movie Permission Form

 

hull.jpg Parents can get involved with school in many ways:

Participate at school by helping with functions and activities.

Communicate with teachers.

Guide their children to manage homework and other commitments.

Engage in discussions about values and attitudes regarding education.

Discuss school activities with their child.

Monitor and supervise their child's out-of-school activities.

Email their school counselors on a regular basis. 

Advocate for their future. 

 

Some Student Feedback:
"You have been good with teaching us the material and have been giving us a good, consistent workload." "I love case studies because it doesn't feel like real work, it's really exciting and makes me feel as if I were a detective in the case."
"What I liked about her class and as a teacher is how she explains the work and how to work out the problems." "The vocab helped learn the meanings of the words"
"She would include fun things for us to do occasionally that were still related to what we were learning about at the time." "She gave us virtual students a designated time to email her/meet with her on meetings when we needed to ask questions."