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In this lab students learn about DNA analysis methods by performing gel electrophoresis to create simulated DNA fingerprints for use as evidence to solve a forensic case. Introduces advanced concepts of PCR and DNA fingerprinting. Gels can be run in 45 minutes with five 9-V batteries or overnight with 1 battery. Materials are sufficient for 5 groups of students to perform the lab twice.

Product Details
Beginning—Easy to perform; requires little or no prior knowledge.

In this lab students learn about DNA analysis methods by performing gel electrophoresis to create simulated DNA fingerprints for use as evidence to solve a forensic case. Prealiquoted reagents and Carolina's Exploring Electrophoresis apparatus make this kit ready to use out of the box without the need for additional biotechnology equipment or micropipettes.

The Investigative Phenomenon of this lab is a fictional scenario in which a forensics technician analyzes the results of a crime scene. Blood evidence left by a burglar at the scene was collected to determine if a match could be made to one of 2 potential suspects.

Students are presented with the crime scene, the suspects, and the PCR process used to prepare the evidence and then asked to set up, run, and analyze an electrophoresis gel to determine whether one of the suspects is connected to the crime. The question that drives their investigation is "How do we use DNA evidence, and what must be done in order to use it?"

This kit contains enough supplies for 5 student groups to perform the lab twice.

Time Requirements
Teacher prep: 45 minutes. Prelab: 30 minutes. Investigation: Approximately one 3-hour period or two 50-minute periods. Assessment: 30 minutes.

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that include a teacher’s manual, student guide, fill-in answer sheets, editable assessment questions, whiteboard resources, and more.

Performance Expectation(s)
HS-LS1-3
HS-LS3-2

Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and Effect

Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS3.B: Variation of Traits

Science and Engineering Practices
Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Learning Objectives

• Explain at a basic level how the electrophoresis of DNA works.
• Describe the aspects of DNA structure that make its analysis by electrophoresis possible.
• Describe why “DNA fingerprints” or “DNA profiles” vary from person to person.
• Be able to compare the DNA fingerprints from different people and to draw conclusions from those comparisons.
• Be able to describe the significance of forensic DNA analysis to society.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should have basic knowledge of DNA structure, molecules and how they are structured, and an understanding of electricity, current, and charge.