In this activity children consider when DNA evidence is valid and use their knowledge of dissolving to advise forensic scientists.
Description
It is 20 years since DNA fingerprinting was first used in crime solving. Many children have heard about DNA fingerprinting and show an interest in television programmes that involve forensics and DNA analysis as a way to identify the criminal.
Children consider when DNA evidence is valid and use their knowledge of dissolving to advise forensic scientists on their experimental method. They further apply their knowledge and understanding of dissolving by separating the colours contained in the black ink from different pens in an extension activity.
Learning Objective:
- how to collect evidence that is valid
- that solids can dissolve in water
- how to make predictions
Extension activity
- That there are different coloured inks contained in black ink
- These inks can be dissolved in water and carried across the filter paper
These resources were initially developed in partnership with the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University.