Science- The Science of Sleuthing

Subject Name: Science

Unit of Study: The Science of Sleuthing

This science unit of study explores the ways that forensic scientists examine and analyse evidence for criminal and other legal proceedings. Students undertake chemical, physical, and biological tests on hair, fibres, fingerprints, and soil. They investigate the science of blood - analysing blood splatter and how crime scenes can be investigated to recreate a crime. These tests along with observation and research will be used to make hypotheses and draw conclusions.

Science Understanding

The use of DNA and biotechnology in forensic science VC2S10U04

Science Inquiry

investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses can be used in guiding investigations to test and develop explanatory models and relationships VC2S10I01
valid, reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses can be planned and conducted, including identifying and controlling for possible sources of error and bias in sampling or in making observations; safe, ethical investigations include undertaking risk assessments and following protocols when accessing cultural sites and artefacts on Country and Place VC2S10I02
equipment can be selected and used to generate and record data sets that show precision, including consideration of sample size and using digital tools as appropriate VC2S10I03
data and information can be organised, processed and summarised by selecting and constructing representations including tables, graphs, descriptive statistics, models, symbols, formulas and mathematical relationships VC2S10I04
the validity and reproducibility of investigation methods and the validity of conclusions and claims can be evaluated, including by identifying assumptions, conflicting evidence, biases that may influence observations and conclusions, sources of error and areas of uncertainty VC2S10I06
arguments based on a variety of evidence can be constructed to support conclusions or evaluate claims, including consideration of any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with accessing, using or citing secondary data or information VC2S10I07
communicating and justifying scientific ideas, findings and arguments for diverse audiences involves the selection of appropriate presentation formats, content, scientific vocabulary, conventions, models and other representations, and may include the use of digital tools VC2S10I08

Science as a Human Endeavour

scientific knowledge is contestable and is validated and refined over time through expanding scientific methods, replication, publication, peer review and consensus VC2S10H01
advances in technologies have enabled advances in science, while science has contributed to developments in technologies and engineering VC2S10H02

Cross Curricular Capabilities

ways to analyse and improve the structure, clarity, consistency and coherence of a conclusion and its justification in different contexts VC2CC10R01

Assessment Tasks

Topic Tests
Crime scene analysis

Resources