Final+Project

__** Summary of the Lesson**__:

In this lesson there are three parts: 1. Lecture providing the background information for DNA, RNA, Transcription and Translation and how DNA technology can be used in CSI using "DNA Fingerprinting". Background information on Restriction enzymes will also be included. 2. Hair analysis given three human samples, one dog hair sample and one cat hair sample. Observing th cross section, tecture etc. 3. DNA analysis of three DNA samples from the three human hair samples. All three samples are treated with the same restriction enzyme that will cut DNA at different locations for every different person (except identical twins), leaving different length strands of DNA for every person, as one fragment of DNA that was gathered from the "crime scene". Once they are cut, the DNA strands will be run on an agarose gel that separates DNA based on size and charge (but all DNA is negative in charge). Whichever strands of DNA match with that of the "crime scene" DNA on the gel, is the criminal. Notes from the background information will be kept in their notebooks, and lab reports will be typed up following our Scientific Method Model.

__**My Audience Is**__:

10th-12th grade biology students. For 10th grade, we would stop at the hair analysis and do one gel together as a class after setting up a crime scene. For advanced classes, each group would be given their own crime scene and DNA to analyze. I like to bring in the Asst. Principals and the Resource Officer and actually role play a crime in our classroom, and "recover" the DNA.


 * __The Subject/ Content Is:__**

1. DNA base pairs, sequencing, transcription and translation 2. RNA to Protein 3. Biotechnology: DNA Fingerprinting and Forensic Science

__**Learning Objective/Essential Question**__

How is DNA base-pairing, sequencing, transcription and translation used in Forensic Science to solve crimes? By the end of the lesson, students will be able to run a "restriction enzyme digest" and agarose gel and understand how it is used in CSI.


 * __Standards__**

Collaborative Learning, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives


 * __Accomadations:__**

"Skeleton" outlines can be provided for some students. Other students, in my class where English is not their first language, can use the translation function on the laptops for their notes and lab reports.