Glencoe Science Level Blue

Unit 1: Humans and Heredity

Criminals and DNA fingerprinting

Introduction:

People who work as crime scene investigators can be called upon at any time of day to help solve a crime. Many times, DNA is used to help solve crimes that otherwise would go unsolved. What is DNA and how is DNA fingerprinting used to help solve crimes?

Task:

Have students research the process of DNA fingerprinting and how it has helped police find and prosecute criminals in a court of law. The, have them use the information that they gather to write a job posting for a crime scene investigator or a person who works in a DNA lab.

Time:

1 class period to research DNA fingerprinting and write the job posting.

Resources:

Genetic Science Learning Center
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/features/forensics/

Basics of DNA Fingerprinting
http://protist.biology.washington.edu/fingerprint/dnaintro.html

Create a DNA Fingerprint
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/analyze.html

DNA Forensics
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics/shtml

Guide to College Majors in Crime Scene Investigation
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/criminal-justice/crime-scene-investigation-major.htm

Grading Rubric:

Description	Rating
The student’s chart is exceptionally well organized, clear, and concise. The data show an understanding of the process involved. The chart is neat and presentable.
The student’s chart is good. The accuracy of the data collected is satisfactory. The data show a basic understanding of the process involved in collecting the information.
The student’s chart is not well organized and shows some problems related to the process involved in collecting the information. The chart is not done neatly.
The work is very poorly done or has not been completed.