Determining the wounding potential of shooting weapons in the course Forensic Science at the Faculty of Applied Informatics Tomas Bata University in Zlin

Abstract

The aim is to teach students to gauge the wounding potential of shooting weapon and ammunition. Part of Forensic Science course is dedicated to shooting weapons. These lessons deal with finding the wounding potential of shooting weapons. For this educational purpose, weapons of category D are used. In the Czech Republic, these weapons are freely sold from 18 years. The principles of controlling some weapons of category D (e.g. expansion weapon, Flobert rifle, airsoft pistol) which provide lower projectile speeds, are the same as for other firearms. Before measuring, students characterize the used alternative material. Then, they measure the speed of projectiles and the depth of incomplete penetration in this material. The students process results and prepare a report on the measurement including the measurement errors. Finally, the students correlate the velocity of projectiles (momentum), the weight and dimensions of the ammunition, and the depth of incomplete penetration, which was measured earlier. Obtained data are compared with those from previous measurements. © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology.