Forensic Science
What are the steps of the scientific method? - 1. Ask a Question
2. Do Background Research
3. Construct a Hypothesis
4. Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
5. Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
6. Communicate Your Results
What does the term forensic mean? - The application of science to the law
Why is it important for investigator's to secure a crime scene? - You secure the scene
so your evidence won't be tampered with
What are the different kinds of search patterns and when is it appropriate to use each
one? - Grid- good for searching large areas
Linear- used to find a particular piece of evidence
Spiral- When there is only one CSI at the scene
Quadrant/zone- covering the entire area
What are the three layers of the hair shaft? Which part of the hair can be analyzed for
DNA? - Medulla- The innermost layer of the hair shaft
Cortex- The middle layer of the hair shaft
Cuticle- The outermost layer of the hair shaft
Root- The part of the hair that can be analyzed for DNA
What are cuticle scales? What is the pattern that they exhibit? - The outermost layer of
the skin of vertebrates; epidermis. The pattern they exhibit is overlapping scales.
What is the difference between class evidence and individual evidence? - Class
evidence can be tied to a particular group while individual evidence can lead to a
specific person or thing.
What are the different types of patterns that the medulla can exhibit? What do they look
like? - Continuous- is a straight line
Fragmented- long lines separated
Interrupted- short lines separated
What is the proper way to obtain a sample of hair from a suspect? What part of the hair
do you want to make sure is obtained with the sample? Why should you obtain a larger
number of hairs from the suspect rather than just one or two? - Use tweezers and make
What are the steps of the scientific method? - 1. Ask a Question
2. Do Background Research
3. Construct a Hypothesis
4. Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
5. Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
6. Communicate Your Results
What does the term forensic mean? - The application of science to the law
Why is it important for investigator's to secure a crime scene? - You secure the scene
so your evidence won't be tampered with
What are the different kinds of search patterns and when is it appropriate to use each
one? - Grid- good for searching large areas
Linear- used to find a particular piece of evidence
Spiral- When there is only one CSI at the scene
Quadrant/zone- covering the entire area
What are the three layers of the hair shaft? Which part of the hair can be analyzed for
DNA? - Medulla- The innermost layer of the hair shaft
Cortex- The middle layer of the hair shaft
Cuticle- The outermost layer of the hair shaft
Root- The part of the hair that can be analyzed for DNA
What are cuticle scales? What is the pattern that they exhibit? - The outermost layer of
the skin of vertebrates; epidermis. The pattern they exhibit is overlapping scales.
What is the difference between class evidence and individual evidence? - Class
evidence can be tied to a particular group while individual evidence can lead to a
specific person or thing.
What are the different types of patterns that the medulla can exhibit? What do they look
like? - Continuous- is a straight line
Fragmented- long lines separated
Interrupted- short lines separated
What is the proper way to obtain a sample of hair from a suspect? What part of the hair
do you want to make sure is obtained with the sample? Why should you obtain a larger
number of hairs from the suspect rather than just one or two? - Use tweezers and make
