Tom Keller
6-24-03
SLM 521
"WebQuest Activity"
Introduction
Last summer, there was a murder in Westminster. Police investigators were able to attain several pieces of evidence from the crime scene. Among this evidence was dried blood from under the fingernails of the victim. It is alleged that this dried blood is likely the blood of the murderer, and got there from victim scratching the murderer while struggling to try to escape. This evidence was sent to the Maryland State Crime Laboratory and DNA fingerprinting was used to help identify the murderer, and he is now on trial. You have been selected by the prosecution as an expert in the field of DNA fingerprinting. Your job is to explain to the court how DNA fingerprinting works and how it can be used in this case to convict the murderer.
Information
In order to attain all the information needed for this testimony, you and your partner can browse the Internet to find reliable, credible information.
The following list of sites provide a starting place for you gather some information:
Some basic information on DNA:
http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/15/concept/index.html http://www.biology.washington.edu/fingerprint/dnaintro.html http://www.bergen.org/AAST/Projects/Gel/Nucleic.htmFollow the links and do the online activity offered at this site:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/dna/
Information on DNA evidence and electrophoresis:
http://www.firearmsid.com/KSP%20Evidence%20Manual/Biological%20Evidence.htm http://www.bergen.org/AAST/Projects/Gel/index.html http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/analyze.html http://www.biology.washington.edu/fingerprint/dnaintro.html http://www.dnalc.org/resources/dnadetective.html http://www.dnalc.org/resources/BiologyAnimationLibrary.htm
DNA technology, Southern Blots, Protein Technology:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/analyze.html http://www.dnalc.org/resources/BiologyAnimationLibrary.htm http://www.dnalc.org/resources/dnadetective.html
Problems with DNA evidence:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/analyze.html http://www.accessexcellence.org/WN/NM/interview_dr_bruce_weir.html http://members.ozemail.com.au/~dtebbutt/oj/ojsci2.html
Other resources that may be helpful:
http://howstuffworks.lycoszone.com/dna-evidence.htm http://csdb.nidcr.nih.gov/csdb/chanchai_site/educ180/nih/DNA_tutorial.html http://biology.about.com/cs/forensics/ http://www.karisable.com/crime.htm http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/R/RFLPs.html
Task
You will work in a team of two to collect information and present it to the court so they understand the meaning of the evidence against the accused. In order to effectively do this, you need to explain background information on DNA and DNA fingerprinting technology. You also need to explain to the court why this is a preferred technology and how exactly it is useful in convicting the accused. Also, be prepared to offer the negative features of DNA fingerprinting, because if you don’t, the defense will, and it will look much better if you, as the expert witness for the prosecution, mentions the negative aspects of the technology.
Process
You and your teammate must use the Internet to gather general information about DNA, such as what it is, where it is found, why it is important, and how DNA can be used to help convict the accused.
You must also research what DNA fingerprinting is and how it is done. Be sure to include how the DNA is extracted, handled, and examined.
Describe the techniques involved in DNA fingerprinting technology and how they work. Be sure to address the positives and negatives to the process.
Create the testimony you and your partner plan to use on the stand. It should be in PowerPoint and can include illustrations, diagrams, and any other useful media you may find.
Conclusion
Now that you have completed the DNA fingerprinting WebQuest, you should have an understanding of how forensic scientists use DNA technology. Think about and write down some other ways we may be able to use this technology. Consider the implications such technology may have on genetic disorders, medicine, and missing people. Also, explain some of the ethical issue you see regarding the use of DNA technology.
Rubric
|
Needs Improvement |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
|
|
Accuracy of Information |
Most information is sketchy and inaccurate |
Misconceptions present in a few key concepts |
Most information accurate, only a couple minor errors |
All information is complete and accurate |
|
Depth of Knowledge Displayed |
Inadequate information to explain concepts |
Most key concepts not thoroughly explained |
Most concepts explained thoroughly, only a few gaps in information |
All concepts covered thoroughly |
|
Address All Aspects Thoroughly |
Many aspects not addressed |
Some aspects addressed but many left out |
Most aspects addressed, but some left out |
All aspects thoroughly addressed |
|
PowerPoint Presentation
|
No graphics, unprepared, issues not addressed |
Few graphics, somewhat prepared, average presentation style |
Good graphics, prepared, covered most topics, average presentation style |
Great graphics, very prepared, enthusiastic, covered all topics well |
|
Displayed Knowledge Attained from Internet Exploring |
Exhibited only minimal use of the internet |
Exhibited some use of the internet, but not enough to cover all topics |
Exhibited good use of internet, but did not explore all possible options |
Clearly exhibited through use of the internet and its resources |
|
Cooperative Work |
Unequal contributions, team did not work well together |
Somewhat equal contributions, but not good team work |
Equal contributions, but team lacked some unity |
Equal contributions and team worked very well together |
Annotated List of 5 WebQuests that would be appropriate in teaching high school biology:
Marine Biology WebQuest This WebQuest offers an activity for students learning about marine biology and marine ecology. It is a good activity because it outlines very well the process of learning about the topics. The topics cover learning about various marine organisms and learning about the environments they inhabit.
http://www.ga.k12.pa.us/academics/US/science/mbiowqst/temp.htm
Biology Webquest – Stem Cell Research This WebQuest provides students with an opportunity to explore current research being conducted with stem cells. The activity involves visiting several websites to gather information about stem cell research and then answering questions and completing a worksheet that evaluates the knowledge students have gained from the activities.
http://www.grafton.k12.wi.us/highschool/anzia/biowebq.html
A Cell is a Small City This WebQuest covers the basics of cellular biology. Students work in groups to learn about the many parts of a cell by doing research and gathering information. Each group member has a specific role in the project, and this activity serves as an interesting introduction to cellular biology and provides students with internet research experience as well as basic knowledge about cellular components.
http://edservices.aea7.k12.ia.us/edtech/teacherpages/cwinstead3/index.html
Cloning WebQuest This WebQuest deals with issues involved with cloning. Cloning is a very controversial topic of debate, and this activity introduces students to a variety of viewpoints surrounding the issue. It involves a group project where different members of the group take of different roles and research support to advocate their beliefs about cloning.
http://www.geocities.com/cloningwebquest/index.htm
Evolution WebQuest This WebQuest introduces several key issues surrounding the study of evolution. The activities allow students to acquire knowledge about evolution, organize their information, and gain an understanding about the basics of evolution. The project also provides students with the opportunity to formulate their own attitudes toward the controversial topic of evolution by determining what are facts and what are common misconceptions.
http://biologycorner.com/quests/evolquest/