7. DNA Fingerprinting - Sources

Sources
If you are interested in creating a full-fledged CSI experience, an indispensable resource for teachers is the book, Mystery Festival, published by the Lawrence Hall of Science.

Other forensics science resources include:

  • Brian Bollone of Northpoint High School has made many of his teaching resources for his criminalistics and forensic science class available on the web.
  • Court TV has a wonderful series of mysteries to use in the classroom using a huge array of different techniques: DNA analysis, gunshot residue, pH testing, shoeprints, flame tests and more to solve the crimes.
  • DiscoverySchool.com has a large collection of forensic science resources for teachers.
  • Susan Seagraves created a fabulous “Whodunnit?” website with lesson plans for finger print analysis, chromatography, and mor.
  • The Shoder Education Foundation provides a comprehensive forensics resource for teachers including lesson plans, several mysteries, and resources.

Finally, for a great real world mystery to solve using DNA analysis among other techniques, go to the “Recovering the Romanovs” from DNA interactive by Cold Spring Harbor. It is quite simply, extraordinary.

Standards
Grade 7
Genetics
2. A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that specify its traits. Those traits may be modified by environmental influences. As a basis for understanding this concept:
e.    Students know DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material of living organisms and is located in the chromosomes of each cell.

Grades 9-12
Genetics
4. Genes are a set of instructions encoded in the DNA sequence of each organism that specify the sequence of amino acids in proteins characteristic of that organism. As a basis for understanding this concept:
c.     Students know how mutations in the DNA sequence of a gene may or may not affect the expression of the gene or the sequence of amino acids in an encoded protein.

5. The genetic composition of cells can be altered by incorporation of exogenous DNA into the cells. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a.    Students know the general structures and functions of DNA, RNA, and protein.
b.     Students know how to apply base-pairing rules to explain precise copying of DNA during semiconservative replication and transcription of information from DNA into mRNA.
d.    * Students know how basic DNA technology (restriction digestion by endonucleases, gel electrophoresis, ligation, and transformation) is used to construct recombinant DNA molecules.