Glencoe Science Level Blue

Unit 1: Humans and Heredity

Investigate a crime scene

Introduction:

Crime scene investigation is a popular branch of detective work. It involves patience, attention to detail, and at times, use of sophisticated technology. People who work as crime scene investigators can be called upon at any time of day to help solve a crime. The evidence that they collect at the scene is often used in the trial of the person accused of committing the crime.

Task:

Using DNA evidence, investigate a mock crime scene and then present mock evidence to a judge and jury of your peers. When presenting to a jury, attorneys use debating skills to persuade the jury to agree with their side of the story. Set up a class “courtroom” and appoint members of the class to represent the suspect, prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, and jury.

Time:

1 class period to investigate the crime scene and gather evidence. 1 class period to present the evidence to a judge and jury.

Resources:

Mock Crime Scene Example
http://www3.nsta.org/main/news/pdf/tst0203_28.pdf

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

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

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

How to Debate – Video Lectures
http://debate.uvm.edu/critadv.html