Forensics – Ballistics and Arson Unit

Georgia Performance Standards: SFS4 Students will evaluate the role of ballistics, tool marks and evidence of arson in forensic investigation. a. Identify firearm lab tests used to distinguish the characteristics of ballistics and cartridge cases. b. Analyze the physics of ballistic trajectory to predict range of firing. c. Recognize the forensic significance of tool marks, footwear and tire impressions in an investigation.

Performance Indicators: Distinguish between different types of weapons. Describe how evidence is collected at a Explain how rifling affects the flight and imprint on a bullet. potential arson. Discuss the role of ballistics recovery and examination at the crime scene. Determine the position of the shooter based on bullet trajectory. Vocabulary: Explain how arson can be determined in an investigation. ballistics barrel breech bullet caliber cartridge firearm fully automatic gunshot residue (GSR) lands and grooves muzzle pistol revolver rifle rifling semiautomatic shell casing trajectory accelerant combustion endothermic reaction energy exothermic reaction flammable range flash point glowing combustion heat of combustion hydrocarbon ignition temperature oxidation pyrolysis spontaneous combustion black powder detonating cord detonation explosion high explosive low explosive oxidizing agent primary explosive safety fuse secondary explosive

Date Classroom Graded Activities Assignments 3/29 Th Notes – Ballistics Video – Modern Marvels “Bullets” 4/9 M Warm up – Case Reading p. 490 “The Washington D.C. Sniper Activity 17-1 ____/20 Killings” Activity 17-1 Bullet Trajectory Ticket out – What are factors that affect bullet trajectory? 4/11 W Warm up – Activity 17-2 ____/25 Activity 17-2 Firing Pin Match p. 505-506 ____/25 p. 505-506 #1-16

4/13 F Prom check out – Most of class Video – CSI

4/17 T Arson & Explosives Notes Notes/Case Reading Case readings for Explosives and Fire Questions/Puzzle packet ____/50 Ballistics puzzle 4/19 Th Ballistics and Arson Activities Review questions _____/20 Review for test 4/23 Ballistics and Arson/Explosives Test M