DNA

DNA, Suggested Grades 6-8 (Coming Soon!)

Your classroom becomes the investigation team to solve a crime using science (blood typing and DNA electrophoresis) and their deductive reasoning skills. Students actively apply the basics of DNA analysis in order to solve the crime.

During this 45-60 minute video conference, your classroom will transform into a crime investigation lab as they use their science knowledge and deductive reasoning skills to help solve a crime. Using blood typing and electrophoresis lab results, students work interactively with the Lab Director at the Challenger Learning Center to eliminate suspects and draw conclusions about a crime.

Only one, 45 minute classroom period is required to prepare for this interactive video conference with the Challenger Learning Center e-Lab.

Lesson Plans

Pre-Lab Lesson Plan:

One, 45-minute class period is required to complete the pre-mission requirements for the DNA e-Lab. The objective of this pre-mission preparation is to become familiar with the details of the crime, to review the victim/suspect files, and to update the Crime Organizers that are provided in the “Printable Mission Materials” section of the website.

Prior to this class period, divide your class into teams and print the following documents (two copies/team):

Eyewitness Organizer

Evidence Organizer

Victim/Suspect Organizer

The students will need the use of computers to complete the pre-mission tasks and their job is to gain as much information as possible and document this information on their organizers so that they are prepared to analyze the crime. Ask the students to access the DNA interface using the following URL:

There are 3 different types of crime information:

News Report: a video that can be displayed for all on a large screen with video/audio output; contains details on the crime and what the authorities know; all details are documented on organizers

Eyewitnesses: four eyewitness reports to be read and information documented

Ransom Note: the ransom note that contains information regarding the motive; to be read and documented

In addition, students will click on the photos of each suspect and each victim to view the profiles and to document more information related to the crime.

Suspect Profiles: 12 suspect profiles are listed to be reviewed; information to be documented

Victim Profiles: 2 victim profiles are listed to be reviewed; information to be documented

Allow the individual teams to collaborate during this information seeking class period. They to determine what information is important. Their task is to document as much information as possible on their organizers and to determine if any suspects can be eliminated. Each team should bring their completed organizers and a list of suspects that can be eliminated to the video conference event.