Intro to Forensic Science
In stock
Overview
For Grade Level 11-12
Forensic science is a fascinating study of over twenty scientific disciplines offering investigative work to the judicial system. Master Books’ Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview reveals God as the Author and Designer of science and the need for Christian investigators reporting to the judicial system. Scripture, case studies, and the knowledge of various scientific disciplines are taught throughout this one of kind homeschool curriculum.
Product Attachments
Product Details
| SKU | M241-7 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Master Books |
| Weight (in lbs) | 2.90 |
| Title | Intro to Forensic Science |
| Subtitle | From A Biblical Worldview |
| ISBN 13 | 9781683442417 |
| Contributors | Jennifer Rivera |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Page Count | 450 |
| Publisher | New Leaf Publishing Group, LLC |
| Dimensions (in inches) | 8 1/2 x 11 |
More Information
The term “forensic science” refers to the acquisition of knowledge gained from the evidence, analysis, and investigator interpretations with the goal of presenting this knowledge before individuals in the judicial system.
While television, movies, and podcasts have popularized forensic science, much of what is portrayed in the media is not accurate. Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview homeschool curriculum was developed to teach your students how to use keen observational techniques, understand the disciplines that make up forensic science, and know how to apply them to seeking first the Kingdom of God.
In every lesson, applicable Scripture is woven throughout the text, along with practical labs, and review materials. Case studies are included to raise the student’s awareness of some of the most famous crimes in history, both solved and unsolved, while examining real investigative practices, time frames, and judicial results. Because of the sensitive nature of the case studies, this course is recommended to 11th and 12th grade students.
Course Objectives
- Study forensic science through a biblical lens and learn how science clearly confirms the Bible.
- Discover how casts are taken of shoeprints and tire marks and how they are used in investigation.
- Evaluate fire and blood spatter patterns and how they are used to determine origin and method.
- Explore several types of microscopes and their purposes in forensic science.
- Examine the role of alcohol, drugs, tools, insects, and more in crime scene investigation.
Course Features:
- 45 minutes per lesson, 5x per week
- Convenient daily schedule, saving you time!
- Full-color student & teacher text
- Perforated, 3-hole punched worksheets
- Recommended Grade Level: 11th – 12th
- Exercises, labs, extension activities and assessments
- One year course to earn one science credit
Curriculum Requirements:
- Student Text - Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview
- Teacher Guide – Intro to Forensic Science from a Biblical Worldview
About the Author:
Jennifer Hall Rivera EdD is the Director of Educational Programs for Answers in Genesis. Her interest in the forensic sciences started at an early age and is credited to the godly instruction of her father, a renowned fingerprint expert. Her experience in the field of forensic science includes employment in a crime scene unit, over a decade of teaching, journal publications, and numerous speaking events.
Content Warning: This course deals with real criminal case studies and discusses sensitive topics. Parental discretion is advised.
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Unit 1: Introduction
- 1. What is Forensic Science?
- 2. The Two Types of Science
- Unit 2: The Crime Scene
- 3. The Crime Scene
- 4. Evidence Collection and Documentation
- Unit 3: Physical Evidence
- 5. Drugs
- 6. Toolmarks
- 7. Weapons
- 8. Documents
- 9. Computer Forensics
- Unit 4: Biological Evidence
- 10. DNA
- 11. Serology
- 12. Toxicology
- 13. Anthropology
- 14. Entomology
- 15. Death Scenes
- Unit 5: Transitory Evidence
- 16. Human Fingerprints
- 17. Animal Fingerprints
- 18. Fingerprint Processing
- 19. Trace Evidence Part I: Hair vs. Fur
- 20. Trace Evidence Part II: Fibers
- 21. Trace Evidence Part III: Glass and Paint
- 22. Trace Evidence Part IV: Pollen and Soil
- 23. Impressions
- 24. Arson and Explosive Investigation
- 25. Residues and Patterns
- Unit 6: Forensic Tools
- 26. Microscopes
- 27. Crime Labs
- 28. Mobile Forensics
- 29. Facial Reconstruction
- Unit 7: Forensic Specialties
- 30. Forensic Odontology
- 31. Forensic Psychiatry
- Unit 8: The Judicial System
- 32. The Judicial System
- 33. Chain of Custody
- 34. Courtroom Testimony
- Glossary
- Endnotes
Customer Reviews
Trigger warning: this book does discuss real cases and this can be triggering or upsetting for some people. But this should go without stating since the course is "Forensic" Science - and thus is about evaluating evidence to determine the criminal.
The experiments are easily followed. The book text is engaging. I would say that this course is for grades 11 or 12 and not lower age students unless they are advanced. After looking at this with my Senior I believe that this can be a student-led course with minimal teacher involvement.
As with all Master Books courses this will challenge faith and character and point to Biblical perspectives and worldview.
The student text uses real case studies and hands-on labs to understand the basics of forensics. Any student who is fascinated with crime shows, or has an interest in the medical or legal field will complete this course with a greater understanding of the subject matter. And the best part, this course challenges your student over and over to look at the subject matter through the lens of God’s Word. It’s not an easy course, especially with the cases that are covered, but it is an eye-opening course that will push your student in skills of critical thinking and reflection.
The student text is laid out in a very organized manner, taking your student first through what forensic science is and then diving into the studies of crimes scenes and the different types of evidence, finishing with forensic tools used, specialities of forensics, and the judicial system. I really appreciate how each lesson (chapter) specifically goes into every topic viewed from a biblical worldview. It is not skirted around, it is very intentional in discussing each topic and relating it to what God’s Word says.
I highly recommend this course to every high school student who has an interest in forensic science.
I am absolutely impressed with how well this course has been created. It includes real cases, real world knowledge about forensic science, labs, techniques and much more.
The course is crafted with detail and great organization and easy to follow. It also interweaves the Bible and biblical worldview in every lesson. It is a faith, character and knowledge builder.
The only warning is that this course discusses real cases, so it can be pretty sensitive for some people, so it is best fit for mature high schoolers.
Beautifully done! I hope there will be a Masterbooks Academy class created for this course especially to guide though lab parts.
I encourage everyone to purchase the TG that goes along with this course for a complete learning experience with full labs. It has a great parent introduction with a course overview and supply list. It is very exciting that this course offers labs so we can put into practice what we are learning and add this to a transcript! Each chapter assignments begin with reading a portion of the chapter then completing multiple choice and short answer questions. The chapter is concluded with an application of knowledge worksheet and 1-2 labs.
This course is set for 11-12th grade students because of the nature of some crimes, it uses the roles of alcohols and tobacco etc. So I would encourage parents to follow these suggestions and check out the samples. But this course is worth its weight in gold in my opinion. I try very hard to make sure my children can defend everything they do, read and watch etc with God’s truth and I feel so blessed to come upon a course like this. Many people might think they could quickly argue the Lord out of courses like these, but every child that goes through this course, I am confident will be able to make those people think again!
The supply list is at the beginning of the teacher guide and uses mostly household or easy to find items. A more detailed list (divided by lesson) is found in the back of the teacher’s guide. The list is a bit longer than some of the other courses, but that is because it is a very hands on course. The activities are extremely useful in understanding how the forensics experts conduct investigations. One of the first lessons that the student learns is to distinguish between what is relevant and what is not. I think this is a skill that can be useful in many other aspects of life. The student will learn skills in analysis of data, as well as things like serology, toxicology, and fingerprint analysis. In addition, the student is given an overview of the judicial aspects, as well as different careers within the field of forensics.
This is a fantastic course for a student that is interested in a career in the medical or legal professions.

