- Number of visits 4
- Number of saves 2
- 3
Description
- Overview:
- This multi-part lesson is designed to give students a firm understanding of genetic profiling using short tandem repeats (STRs), which is a process used by forensics labs around the world. In Part 1 of this lesson, students learn the basics of DNA profiling, including the structure and inheritance of STRs. In Part 2, students learn how DNA profiles are compiled with STRs that are typically used in forensic investigations. In Part 3, they work through a case study involving a robbery and build a DNA profile that can be compared to one constructed from a DNA sample left by a suspect at the scene of the crime. Throughout, analysis questions walk students through calculations on allele frequency and probability (using real data from national databases), providing opportunities for formative assessments on students’ understanding of DNA fingerprinting applications.
- Subject:
- Science
- Level:
- High School
- Grades:
- Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Time Required:
- 1-3 Hours
- Provider:
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- Date Added:
- 07/14/2017
- License:
- https://www.hhmi.org/terms-of-use
- Media Format:
- Text/HTML
- Interactivity Type:
- Mixed
Although this resource is pretty well aligned with the NC Essential Standards, it will require changes to allow for student collaboration and academic success. The resource seems to be scaffolded in such a way that students learn the basics of DNA fingerprinting before analyzing the case studies. However, the work seems to be teacher-guided and independent practice for the most part. When looking at culture, the introduction activity does move away from the stereotype of what a criminal looks like. The Innocence Project could be utilized to spark discussions about injustices in the legal system. The Switched at Birth activity represents culture from South America and could be expanded to explore Hispanic and Latinx cultures within the country.
on Oct 07, 06:29pm Evaluation
Engagement: Limited (1)
This resource has the beginnings of analysis to build critical consciousness of power, equality and justice. It does not yet contain sections to value the identity of each student.
on Oct 07, 06:29pm Evaluation
Accuracy: Strong (2)
This resource strongly compares multiple perspectives, including traditionally marginalized ones. The resource does not yet present a lens of critical consciousness that also explicitly names why multiple perspectives have been historically excluded.