Forensic DNA research: puzzling with peaks
In this DNA-lab, secondary school students (16 – 18 years old) will be able to experience, experiment and gain insight into the latest developments in forensic DNA research. They can be the forensic DNA experts themselves. At the end of the practical they will have to write an objective report for the public prosecutor about the DNA evidence in a robbery case; this report can be used in court.
Investigation
In order to write the report the students have to investigate a balaclava found on the crime scene. This investigation is performed using forensic light sources and different tests to determine the kind of cell material found within the trace material recovered. DNA will be isolated from these traces and the students will perform a PCR. Eventually, with the help of the newest and most modern devices, DNA profiles are created. The DNA profiles will then be compared and the uniqueness of a profile will be calculated. The students really have to puzzle with the information (the peaks in the DNA profile).
Context
‘Puzzling with peaks’ provides the students with an understanding of the new developments in forensic DNA research. This, particularly appealing, specialist investigation is placed in a realistic context in order to teach students the differences between forensic DNA research in real life and DNA research in popular TV-shows like Crime Scene Investigation (CSI).
For Whom
The DNA-lab ‘puzzling with peaks’ is developed for upper grade students of pre-university education and/or the students of higher general secondary education. This lab is well-suited as a practical and in depth addition to the module forensic investigation of nature, life and technology (NLT). This lab is also suited for biology students that have sufficient knowledge of DNA and inheritance.
Forensic Genomics Consortium Netherlands
The practical is developed by Forensic Genomics Consortium Netherlands in cooperation with the Centre of Society and Genomics. At present there are five travelling DNA-labs in which the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) outlines different genomic subjects to students. The forensic DNA-lab, whilst part of this initiative, and in essence the sixth laboratory in the consortium is not a travelling lab and is at the moment only available at the Its Academy, which is located in Amsterdam.
Costs
In the college year 2009-2010 the lab is available for free, however following the summer period, a contribution of 250 euro is required. The trip to the lab is also at own costs.
