DNA Fingerprinting


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In this forensics activity, learners solve a mystery using “DNA” taken from the scene of the crime. This activity describes how to collect a “DNA sample” (learner-invented DNA sequence on a roll of paper) from the culprit and from each learner in the group, then run the DNA on a “gel” that covers the floor of the classroom, a hallway, or gymnasium. The crime-scene investigation aspect can become as elaborate as you wish by including additional “clues” such as fingerprints, a ransom note written in a specific type of ink, cloth fibers, eyewitness accounts and more. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes

Learning Time:
1 to 7 days

Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student

Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18

Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation

Language:
English

Materials List (per student)


  • Scissors
  • Adding machine tape or roll of paper (1 meter per person)
  • Meter sticks (or rulers)
  • (Optional) Masking tape or blue painters tape to mark off a gel, loading wells, and lanes on the floor of the classroom, gym or hallway

Subjects


  • Life Sciences
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • Patterns of Heredity
      • DNA Structure and Function
      • Genetic Engineering
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories


  • Crime Science

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Includes assesments for student learning:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Salter, Irene

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • Rose Foundation