Dr. Fleetwood’s Blog

How does one analyze handwriting samples to check for forgeries? Complete the following to learn all about Questioned Document Analysis.

1. Go to this site to read about the theory behind handwriting analysis and to run a cool mini-experiment to demonstrate the ‘programmed’ nature of our own handwriting.
2. Go to this site to read more on handwriting and forgeries.  Be sure to click on the links entitled, “describing specific features of handwriting” and “comparing handwriting”.
3. For an insane amount of knowledge and information on handwriting comparison you can visit this site and read through the modules.  You do not have to know all of the information in these modules for this class but I include this link in case you are interested in further study.
4. Finally, you can go to this site to participate in a handwriting verification test.  Or you can simply go there to look at a number of samples and test yourself to see if you can determine whether items were written by the same individual or different individuals.

Tags: Forensics by docfleetwood
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To better understand how to determine a person’s blood type and how you could use that information, complete the following:

1. Go to this site to see how to test someone’s blood.  Be certain you understand the difference between antigens and antibodies!
2. Then go to this site to practice reading a blood test and see if you’ve got skills!
3. Then go to this site and read through the tutorials.  Then complete the Blood Types Problem Set.

Tags: Forensics by docfleetwood
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Go to this site and watch the animation on the Southern Blot technique.

Next, go to this site and watch a second animation on the technique as it applies to forensics.

For more details on what goes on inside the gel, go to this site.

Next, go to this site to run a virtual lab and catch a candy thief!

Then go to this site and see how DNA fingerprinting is applied in several fields, including a murder case and two paternity cases.

Then go to this site and read the tutorial on the process. Click on the DNA Forensics Problem Set button at the bottom of the tutorial and complete the problem set (6 problems).

Finally, go to this site and complete the karyotyping activities for the three cases. While karyotyping is not the same thing as DNA fingerprinting - it is still a good thing to know

Tags: Biology, Forensics by docfleetwood
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Go to the following website…

http://www.nsa.gov/kids/home.cfm

Click on ‘Codes & Ciphers‘ at the bottom and read through the material. Be sure to look at the various types of ciphers under the ‘Make a Cipher‘ section, and the ‘Top Secret Language Tips‘ under the ‘Breaking Ciphers‘ section. Write these tips in your notebook. You will be asked to apply your skills at breaking ciphers so be sure you understand the techniques used.

After you read through the Codes and Ciphers section, click on Games & Activities at the bottom. Then complete the ‘Cryptograms‘ link (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). Once you have completed those, complete the 5 problems in the ‘Yardleygrams‘ section.

Tags: Forensics by docfleetwood
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There will be a test on Wednesday, April 2, 2008. The test will be on all material covered in class with specific attention to the material from the “product tampering” case study, mass spectrometry, fingerprinting, counterfeit money, and sketch artistry.

Tags: Forensics by docfleetwood
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Individually, you should complete the correct answers to the Money Facts sheet.

As a group, you should create a ‘new’ $5 bill using the paper I gave you in class. You can see what it looks like at this site: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney/main.cfm/currency/history

You should label the bill with letters or numbers and create a key. These labels should point out the security and ‘additional’ features of the bill that are used to prevent counterfeiting.

On the paper with the key, you must also explain how the ‘money pen’ that store clerks use to check for counterfeit money works. What it looks like if the paper is real or counterfeit and why it looks that way.

Tags: Forensics by docfleetwood
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Win money and a trip to Disney World!  Checkout the DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition.  “Simply write a 700-1,000 word essay discussing a scientific discover, theory, event, or technological application that has captured your interest.”

See the official rules here: http://www.thechallenge.dupont.com/

Now get busy writing - the deadline is January 28, 2008.

Tags: Anatomy, Biology, Forensics, Main by docfleetwood
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You will have a test on the autopsy notes.  It will include how to determine cause of death and time of death as well as some material on determining the victim’s identity.  The test will be on Monday, 1/7/08.

Tags: Forensics by docfleetwood
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Firearms Identification

Go to www.firearmsid.com. On the left side under ‘classroom’ click on student login. Use the log-in key I told you in class and type in your full name. Click accept. In the classroom area you (each individual) must complete 3 tasks:

1. Work on the Bullet ID-VCM (Test 1) with a partner and try for a 75% or better
2. Answer the following questions.
3. Complete the Cartridge Case ID-VCM (Test 1) you must score a 75% or better.
4. Complete the Firearm Identification quiz (50 questions) you must score an 80% or better.

** - if you do not obtain the above scores you will receive a zero you may take the quiz/VCM more than once until you obtain the necessary score. This is an all or nothing assignment.

To answer the following questions you should read the information on the site. If you click on the Bullet ID-VCM link and the Cartridge Case ID-VCM link the resultant pages lists several links to find the necessary information.

1. What does GRC stand for?
2. Give an example of a typical GRC.
3. Do firearms change much over time? Will the 300th bullet have the same marks as the 3rd bullet?
4. What two characteristics do they obtain from a bullet fired from a firearm?
5. What marks do they obtain from a cartridge or cartridge casing?
6. What is meant by a bullets caliber?
7. What is a cartridge?
8. Do all bullets fit in all cartridges?
9. Give 2 examples of named cartridges.
10. What is the difference between your two examples? (advantage/disadvantage of one over the other)
11. What is a rifling impression? What causes it?
12. Why does a barrel have rifling?
13. What are the raised areas between grooves called?
14. If you have a rifling pattern of 6 grooves, how many lands do you have?
15. Why would a firearm examiner use a water tank and how big is a typical tank?
16. What is a comparison microscope?
17. Where on the bullet are the best marks typically seen?
18. What is typically the biggest problem with making an identification of an evidence bullet?
19. What causes Impression Action Marks?
20. Describe what causes each of the 3 impression marks. Which is the most common?
21. Checkout the bullet through gelatin picture from my forensics page. What causes the funnel
shape behind the bullet?

Due: Monday, 11/19/07

Tags: Forensics by docfleetwood
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Test on all material covered thus far including: crimes, people, surveillance, cost of living, crime scene diagramming.

Date:  Tuesday, 10/30/07

Tags: Forensics by docfleetwood
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