Download BSC 307 5-E Model Lesson Plan Form

BSC 307 5-E Model Lesson Plan
Title: The Case of the Crown Jewels-DNA Forensics
Grade Level:
9
Objectives: TSWBAT…
Discuss how DNA is unique for individual organisms.
Describe the importance of DNA in forensic science.
Explain how restriction enzymes relate to DNA.
Model the process of restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis.
Illinois Learning Standards:
Stage I 12 A 3: Apply scientific inquiries or technological designs to explain the
molecular nature of the genetic code, explaining the function, chemical reactions,
and schematic diagrams of the molecular components of DNA, RNA and simple
proteins, exploring the processes of recombinant DNA research, describing the
role of chromosomes in the normal and aberrant display of hereditary traits,
mutations and disease.
Engagement:
Students will watch two short videos to introduce DNA and forensics. The first
video (http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/11813-forensics-dna-evidencevideo.htm) discusses how forensic scientists amplify cellular DNA so its bands
can be visualized and compared. It also addresses the importance of DNA
evidence in solving crimes. The second video
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzYBHK9_IaI) is a parody song of “We are
the Champions” that has been converted to “We Will Find You,” a forensics song.
This is video is meant to be more of fun engagement of students to get them
excited about the topic.
Students will be asked to explain what features of DNA make each individual
unique and its importance in forensic science.
Exploration:
Students will pair up and complete the forensics activity, “The Case of the Crown
Jewels.” The teams will be given a case report for a fictional case about missing
jewelry. Students will be given DNA from the crime scene and four suspect DNA
samples. Using DNA restriction analysis, student will model gel electrophoresis on
poster paper to identify the culprit and write up a final report.
Explanation:
Students will fill out their final report explaining how they identified the thief. The
entire class will then discuss their findings as a group, ask any questions they
may have about the activity, and will explain how the properties of DNA,
restriction enzymes, and gel electrophoresis enable forensic science.
The teacher has a PowerPoint if necessary to explain the major topics of the
lesson. Students can make notes on gel electrophoresis on their individual
handout.
Elaboration:
Students will receive a worksheet package that further covers restriction
enzymes and gel electrophoresis. This will allow students to investigate some of
the laboratory skills and technology associated with DNA work/forensics.
Students also will need to re-explain what features of DNA make each individual
unique and its importance along with restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis
in forensic science in a class discussion after completing the activity, comparing it
to their original response.
Evaluation(Assessment Strategies):
Assessment of student understanding will be based on the quality of class
discussion in the “explanation” stage and the answers to worksheets in the
“elaboration” stage. Student explanations of features of DNA and importance in
forensic science will also be evaluated to assess student learning.
Rationale:
As an alternative to a long, boring, and un-engaging lecture on the nature of
DNA, restriction enzymes, and gel electrophoresis, this lesson utilizes a video clip
and hands on activity to teach the concepts. The activity presents a challenge or
puzzle for students to solve, hopefully motivating them to learn about the
techniques. This lesson also addresses ILS Stage I 12 A 3 as it helps explain
technological designs to explain the molecular nature of the genetic code and
employs understanding of restriction enzymes that can be used in exploring the
processes of recombinant DNA research.
Resources:
DeRosa, D.A. & Wolfe, B.L. (2007). The case of the crown jewels. [On-line]. Retrieved
on October 3, 2010. Available:
http://www.csun.edu/science/biology/genetics/genetics_activity/crown_jewels.pdf
How Stuff Works. (2010). Forensics: DNA Evidence. [Video File]. Retrieved from
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/11813-forensics-dna-evidencevideo.htm .
Illinois State Board of Education. (1997). Illinois State Learning Standards. [On-line].
Retrieved on August 14, 2008. Available: http://www.isbe.net/ils/Default.htm.
Miller, K.R., & Levine, J.S. (2010). Biology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education,
Inc.
Sds67. (2008, May 9). Bill Nye-Forensics. [Video File]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzYBHK9_IaI .