Self Reflection

1.  I think so far my Senior Project grade is a P- I am doing what needs to be done, but not quite above and beyond.  I hope to improve this in the future. 
2.  I think I did very well on my 5 minute presentation because I met the time requirement, explained the difference between Criminology and CSI, and engaged my classmates well.
3.  I hope to improve on my service learning.  In order to be involved with the more hands-on programs (patrol rides, etc.) I have to be 18, which will happen next week.  Hopefully I will be able to do more things that help me answer my EQ.

Science Fair Proposal

1.  I'm still not too sure what direction my Science Fair Project is heading towards.  After meeting with Ms. Melogno, though, I looked at some crime statistics.  With what Ms. Melogno said in mind, my hypothesis will probably be a statistic I came up with by compiling data from the FBI and CIA.
2.  As stated above, I'm not sure of what my variables will be at this time.
3.  I don't think that my science fair project will help me out too much with answering my EQ.
4.  At this time, I don't know what experiment will even be performed.
5.  (See above.) 
6.  Behavioral science.

What I've Learned So Far

1.  Since starting my Senior Project, something I've learned how to do better is looking for research.  Usually, I would search for specific keywords or terms and get discouraged when I couldn't find much.  Now, I've realized that these books or other resources I search for don't necessarily have to be titled "Criminology: 101" or anything obvious.  In other words, I've leaned to start with a broad, general search, and whittle the information down until I find what I'm looking for. 

2.

 3.  This book "Why They Kill:  The Discoveries of a Maverick Criminologist" by Richard Rhodes is one of the resources I've found using this research method.  When I went to the library, I asked for books on Criminology and Crime.  I was directed towards books like "Criminology for Dummies" and law encyclopedias.  This wasn't exactly what I was looking for.  I wanted theories in criminology, not "what is criminology".  Seeing how a broad search didnt work, I decided to search for bits and pieces of what I was looking for.  I looked for books on "theories of deviance", but that didn't help much.  Then, I started searching for "serial killers" and "crime psychology".  That was it!  I was able to find a book that wasn't exactly what I came in for, but helpfull nonetheless.

Independent Component 1 Plan Approval

1.  I think my Independent Component depends on how much the Walnut Sheriff's Department is willing to let me take on during my Service Learning.  If anything, I will probably do an extra 30 hours of Service Learning.

2.  When I talked to Sgt. Mark Saldecke for my first interview, he told me that volunteering at the department would consist of paperwork and assisting with other daily station activities, as well as patrol rides.  I will just have to sign up for extra hours. 

3.  My goal is to find out what the most common reason people commit crimes is.  Being surrounded by police officers and going on patrol rides, I hope to get somewhat of a hands-on experience with crime and ask many questions.

Defining the Essential Question

1.  EQ: What is the most common reason people commit crimes?

2.  most common: most frequent or occurring; on average; typical or usual
     crime: an act or violation of a law; illegal activity

3.  Possible Answers:  Cultural Transmission- environment influences criminal activity; Labeling- once labeled a criminal, always a criminal; genetics; past experiences; brain disorders; bad parenting.

4.  My most important source is an article entitled "Theories to Explain Deviant Behavior" by ExperimentGarden.  It gives four seperate and distinct thoeries on why people commit crime.  I could also back up all these eplanations with other credible sources.

Second Interview Questions

1.  How long have you been in this field?
2.  What did you have to study to become a sheriff?
3.  How did you know that this is what you wanted to do?
4.  What are the specifics of your job?
5.  How long did it take before you actually started the position you are in now?
6.  Who/where did you intern/volunteer with?
7.  Did you think about becoming anything else besides a sheriff?
8.  With your credentials, could you, if you wanted, go into a different but related career?

Presentation Reflection

1.  During my first interview, I received several different definitons of "criminology".  In my presentation, one of my steps included explaining what criminology is.  I used two of the definitions given to me- Criminology is..."the study of crime and how it affects society" and "how crime occurs, what is causing it, and how to prevent it."
2.  I think what stood out to me during my presentation was my method of "Checking for Understanding".  Instead of asking specific questions about my presentation like everyone else did, I did an interactive game that helped fulfill my objective.
3.  The most challenging part of my 5 minute was trying to fit all my information into the allotted time.  I felt like I had to much to say in too little time.

5-Minute Presentation: Rough Draft

Objective:  To explain the difference between Criminology and Crime Scene Investigation (Forensic Science).

Procedure:  Intro (1) Ask if people know the difference between Criminology and CSI.

                  (2) Explain Criminology.

                  (3) Explain CSI.

                  (4) Point out major differences.

                  (5) Explain which jobs Criminology leads to.

                  (6) Summarize key points.

Check for Understanding:  Ask students to tell me which aspects I’ve explained are under Criminology and which are under CSI while I fill in a diagram/chart.

Resources/Materials:  Poster board or white board- used for “check for understanding”.

                      Marker

Interview Prep 1

For my first interview, I plan on talking with Mark Saldecke, Community Relations Sergeant at the Walnut Police Department.  I wanted to talk with someone who not only was knowledgeable about crime, but directly dealt with it, so I thought the police department was a good place to start.  I also think he can refer me to other helpful sources, especially with service learning.
Besides the 5 set questions, I would like to express to Sergeant Mark the type of experiences I am looking for when it comes to a future involving criminology, and hopefully get some feedback on what kind of career I should pursue.

Senior Project Topic

My topic for my Senior Project is Criminology.  Like many others, I am fascinated with crime shows like Law and Order: SVU, CSI: NY and Criminal Minds.  I was originally interested in the science involved in these shows and crimes, like DNA, fingerprinting or blood analysis.  But later, I found out I was more interested in the "Why?"  I want to explore more behind the reasons why people commit crimes.  I know that real life criminology differs greatly from the television, but it really has opened my eyes to a different side of crime.
After this Senior Project, and Senior year in general, I hope to have a better understanding of the way people think, and how they act upon their thoughts.  I also hope to major in either Criminology, Forensic Psychology or Law. I'd talk about plans after college, but I'm just trying to get through this year first...