Book Description

"Forensic Science is one of the successful tools enriching science and math education by facilitating the teaching of science concepts. The real-life news accounts of forensic science aiding in the solving of actual crimes, coupled with the multitude of television programs and other media presentations extolling the successes of forensic science, have stimulated the interest of students and adults. While many instructors have started forensic programs as well as a plethora of workshops to assist teachers in preparing such courses, little has been done to solidify the process. The Third Edition of Forensic Science Today will be a definitive introductory textbook. Dr. Henry Lee, one of the foremost forensic scientists in the work, George Taft, retired Director of the Alaska Scientific Crime Laboratory and eminent forensic scientist, Kimberly Ellis, a writer and attorney, and Jeanette Hencken, an award-winning high school forensic science teacher, have contributed to this Third Edition which gives an introductory explanation of a cross sections of the forensic sciences. The authors have made changes to the text of this Third Edition in the quest to keep the material relevant, up-to-date, and accurate. The Third Edition of Forensic Science Today will look to the future to see where the forensics sciences will continue to develop. During this journey, you will join world-renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee as he explains the science behind solving famous murder cases that most people only see on T.V. Importantly, you will learn new skills of science and logic, and sharpen other skills you already have, like your intuition. Our philosophy is that you should be truly engaged when learning about forensic science. Forensic Science Today reflects this philosophy and teaches forensic science in an informative and interest-sustaining manner. This book takes you through an in-depth exploration of solving crime through the application of forensic techniques. We begin with and introduction to the overall field of forensics, then follow with the basics of Crime Scene Investigation and a study of Physical Evidence and the many roles it plays in criminal investigation. Then, we will explore a myriad of forms of physical evidence. These include Fingerprints, Trace Evidence, Drugs, Serology, DNA, Blood Stain Patterns, Questioned Documents, Imprints and Impressions, Toolmarks and Firearms, Fire and Arson, Chemical Evidence, and Digital Evidence. In each of these chapters, you will learn how to accurately document, preserve, collect and analyze the different types of physical evidence based on the most recent standards. Each chapter in this book begins with a set of objectives indicating what you should be able to achieve after working through the chapter. There is also a set of key terms to pay special attention to as you read through the chapter. At the end of each chapter, you will find definitions of scientific and technical words and phrases introduced in that chapter. These words and phrases are also defined in the Glossary at the back of the book. At the end of this book, you will find a comprehensive set of Resources, which lists books and websites that provide further information for more in-depth research or project work. This includes websites pertaining to crime prevention and survival. It is our hope that if your life has been touched by crime in any way, you can turn to some of these websites for help and further guidance. For the first time, there is also a companion text, Forensic Science Today Instructor's Companion, with labs, hands-on activities, suggestions for research topics, virtual and home assignments. review questions and tests all coordinated with the chapters of this text. In the real world, forensic scientists succeed when they apply a combination of knowledge, experience, skills, and intuition to the situation at hand. An open mind, creativity, and curiosity are essential tools in the field of forensic science. During our exploration of the exciting world of forensic science, we will teach you how to use these tools and apply your knowledge in new ways. We hope that someday this exploration will enable you to be the one who solves a crime using these tools"--