Putting DNA to Work
Create A DNA Fingerprint
 Overview of Activity
Students solve a mystery using DNA fingerprinting. Through an interactive lab the students go through the steps used to make a DNA fingerprint. They then evaluate their evidence to find the culprit of the crime.
Activity Type: On-Line
URLs: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/analyze.html http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/lab01.html http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/labwave.html
Level of Difficulty: Introductory or Intermediate
Amount of Time Required for Activity:
One 45-minute period
Description
Students are presented with a crime involving a "licked" lollypop. They
then use DNA found on the lollipop to do a simple interactive laboratory activity.
The students manipulate virtual laboratory equipment involved in making a DNA
fingerprint. After each step a brief explanation is given to the purpose of
that part of the procedure. Through the process, students are introduced to
the concept of gel electrophoresis as well as the use of probes to identify
specific pieces of DNA. The fingerprint that is created becomes the evidence
by which students identify the perpetrator of the crime. The activity allows
students to easily visualize the way in which a DNA fingerprint can be used
to solve a crime.
This activity is produced by WGBH.
Relation to the Science Standards
Middle School
Content Standard A - Understanding about Scientific Inquiry
Content Standard C - Life Science--Structure and Function, and Reproduction and Heredity
Content Standard E - Understanding about Science and Technology
Content Standard G - Science as a Human Endeavor and Nature of Science
High School
Content Standard A - Understanding about Scientific Inquiry
Content Standard C - Life Science--the Cell and Molecular Basis of Heredity
Content Standard E - Understanding about Science and Technology
Content Standard G - Science as a Human Endeavor and Nature of Scientific Knowledge
Related Part of the Exhibit
DNA/Criminal Justice
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