DNA

and Human Remains

UNIT OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

· Describe the general structure of DNA.

· Isolate and extract DNA from cells.

· Make a model of DNA.

· Describe the function and purpose of a restriction enzyme.

· Compare and contrast RFLP and PCR DNA fingerprinting.

· Determine and identify the matching DNA samples.

· Discuss the legality of DNA as a courtroom tool.

· Compare and contrast Nuclear DNA and Mitochondrial DNA.

· Calculate probabilities of identity using STR.

· Research and draw conclusions concerning a specific case using DNA and then present it to the class.

· Distinguish between a male and a female skeleton.

· Give an age range after examining unknown remains.

· Describe differences in skull features among the three major racial categories.

· Estimate height by measuring long bones.

· Describe livor mortis, rigor mortis, and algor mortis.

ASSIGNMENTS	SPECIFICS
FSFHS by Deslich & Funkhouser Criminalistics by Saferstein	Chapter 11--pages 243-267 Chapter 12--pages 269-291
Crime Scene by Ragle	Chapter 7--pages 251-286
Class Notes	PowerPoint—see notes for Chs. 11 & 12
Activities	DNA Outline DNA Practical Application Problems Natural History Museum--DNA extracted from insects trapped in amber. Is it possible?Skeletal system Determining Sex using Skull Features Determining Age using the Epiphyses
Labs	DNA in a Banana Lab RFLP testing Electrophoresis Virtual Lab PCR Lab What's in Your Genes?--STR Lab Determining Sex using the Os Pubis
Technology	DNA Internet Scavenger Hunt (see info below) DNA Search for Innocence FACES Program
Projects	Opinion Paper--Trial of the Century; OJ Simpson Case Study Saferstein pp. 376-379 Literacy Project--Compare/Contrast DNA typing writing essay
Articles	DNA Fingerprinting
Other	Forensic Files Logic Problem 3 Crossword Review
Anatomy Independent Study	Cell Structure and Function Skeletal system / bones
Assessments	Performance Assessment DNA Quest--In Search of Innocence (Power Point Presentation) Written Knowledge and Analysis Test

DNA LABS—

Prentice-Hall has a tutorial at http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/labbench/lab6/intro.html ; go to website and click on “DNA Electrophoresis”

You will also do an Electrophoresis Virtual Lab at http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/biotech/gel/

HBO has a tutorial on DNA profiling on their autopsy page. Find the program Autopsy and then click on Evidence 101. Observe, take notes, and compare the various types.

PCR--DNA Typing

Elecrophoresis Set Up

Student Pipetting

Visible Bands on Gel

DNA Molecular Profile

DNA Scavenger Hunt

DNA Background Information

Each of you comes to this class with a wide range of knowledge concerning DNA. This scavenger hunt will give you the opportunity to show what you know and to discover that which you"forgot". You will be asked various questions and then given websities to help you find the answers. Use the worksheet provided in class. If you already know the correct answer and are confident about its accuracy, go to the next question.

Websites for help:

CASE STUDIES

There are several websites that give case studies showing the use of DNA evidence in the courtroom. Read those found on the Canadian DNA Data Bank. How does their history of DNA uses match with those of the U.S.?

Then look on the Crime Library for DNA Revolution. How will you be able to use this website during this unit?

BONES, BONES, AND MORE BONES

Human Skeleton Practical

How do anthropologists use bones to determine whether remains are human?
How do they determine sex, age, and sometimes race of an individual; how do they estimate height?
How do they estimate height?
How do they determine when the death may have occurred?

Watch a “Bones” episode on TV and report on it in lieu of a CSI.

Crime Library – Forensic Anthropology

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/anthropology/2.html

CASE STUDY SCENARIO

THE TRIAL OF THE CENTURY--O.J. SIMPSON

A. Take notes over the video: Trial of the Century. In addition, you may wish to obtain extra background and evidence information from the internet,
like the crime library.

B. Fill in the argumentation graphic organizer to arrange your ideas and back your opinions with evidence.

C. Write opinion paper stating your belief on his guilt or innocence. Within the paper, describe at least 5 pieces of evidence and how they support your belief. Highlight each piece of evidence as it appears in your paper.

D. Based on your belief, discuss how you would have defended or prosecuted O.J. Be sure to discuss his means, motive and opportunity.

SCORING GUIDE

	Extending 4	Expected 3	Developing 2	Developing 1
The Original Case	Effectively and creatively communicates the evidence and facts of the original trial or case	Effectively communicates the evidence and facts of the original trial or case	Has difficulty in understanding the evidence and/or facts of the original trail or case	Misrepresents evidence and facts of the original trial or case
Presentation of Prosecution or Defense	Presents a convincing case based on the evidence and scientific facts	Presents a case based on the evidence and scientific facts	Presents cases that is confusing and not very convincing	Presents case that is not convincing and may actually misrepresent the facts
Forensic Evidence	Evidence is accurate, detailed, and leads to the means, motive and opportunity of the suspect	Evidence is accurate but not detailed. May lead to the suspect	Some evidence missing or not detailed. Means, motive and/or opportunity lacking	Evidence is poor or missing and does not lead to the suspect
Communication and Writing Skills	Paper is well-developed, easily understood, and free of mechanical errors	Paper is well-developed; may contain some mechanical errors	Paper is not well-developed or contains several mechanical errors	Paper is poorly developed and difficult to understand; may include many mechanical errors

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