Forensic Investigation Curriculum (pdf) - Darien Public Schools

UNIT 4: DNA Fingerprinting
Essential Question 1: What is DNA, and how is it used in forensic investigation?
Essential Question 2: How is DNA collected, preserved, analyzed, and used to identify
an individual?
CONTENT KNOWLEDGE OBJECTIVES
Initial Understanding
� List the components of DNA.
� State where DNA is found, and its origin.
Developing an Interpretation
� Discuss the contributions made by scientists to the discovery of DNA, and its use
in forensic investigation.
� Isolate and extract DNA from living cells.
� Relate sources of DNA in a crime scene.
Making Connections
� Describe how DNA is collected and preserved from a crime scene.
� Demonstrate the technique of DNA electrophoresis.
Taking a Critical Stance
� Explain how DNA evidence is compared to either identify or clear a suspect in a
crime.
� Compare and contrast nuclear and mitochondrial DNA and their uses in forensic
investigation.
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