How does DNA fingerprinting revolutionize forensic investigations, and what are the critical steps involved in analyzing DNA samples?
Critical Thinking
Communication
Learner’s Mindset
Responsibility
Collaboration
What is DNA fingerprinting, and why is it a pivotal tool in forensic science?
How does the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) process work to prepare DNA samples for analysis, and what are its three main steps?
How can gel electrophoresis be used to analyze DNA samples, and what do the results tell us about a mock crime scene?
Students will understand the concept of DNA fingerprinting and its significance in solving criminal cases.
Students will describe the PCR process and identify its three critical steps: Denaturation, Annealing, and Extension.
Students will conduct a gel electrophoresis lab, interpret the results, and apply this knowledge to a mock crime scene analysis.
Assessments and Activities:
Interactive Lecture: Introduction to DNA fingerprinting and its role in forensic science.
PCR Simulation Activity: Virtual or hands-on activity to explore the steps of PCR in preparing DNA samples.
Gel Electrophoresis Lab: Students will participate in a lab to practice gel electrophoresis, followed by analyzing and interpreting the gel results in the context of a mock crime scene.
HS-LS1-1: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living systems follow the laws of conservation of mass.
HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
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