Washington Biotechnology Foundation Curricula: To Catch a Thief

Hands-on Teaching Curriculum:

To Catch a Thief: DNA is the Key

"To Catch a Thief: DNA is the Key" is a hands-on teaching curricula
developed by the Washington Biotechnology Foundation
and available for downloading by educators for use in the classroom.

Learn several techniques of biotechnology that you can share with your students through two scenario-based laboratories. In the first hands-on laboratory, students will spool DNA that has been collected from blood at a fictitious crime scene. In the next activity, students will prepare and analyze their DNA samples using simulated gel electrophoresis. The resulting DNA fingerprint will assist students in determining "who done it!" The teacher materials include the following:

• Extensive written instructions with background science concepts presented;
• Copy masters for overheads and student handouts;
• A scenario that can be customized for your school;
• Suggested time line for lesson plans;
• Ordering information for supplies; and
• Easy to follow instructions for materials preparation.

To use this curriculum, please download the following self-extracting zip file:

• Curriculum Conditions of Use

• WBF Curriculum (62 kb/zip file format)

After the file has been saved to your computer, simply click on the WBF Curriculum.zip file and the following files will be extracted and saved on your computer for use in the classroom.

WBF "To Catch a Thief" Curriculum Files:

• To Catch a Thief Teacher Guide (Word 5.0 - 53 kb file)
• WA State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (Word 5.0 - 6 kb)
• Scenario (Word 5.0 - 10 kb file)
• Fingerprinting Tells All Overheads No. 1 (PDF 18 kb file)
• Fingerprinting Tells All Overheads No. 2 (PDF 15 kb file)
• DNA is the Key - Lab No. 1 (PDF 21 kb file)
• DNA is the Key - Lab No. 2 (PDF 13 kb file)
• Fingerprinting Tells All  - Lab No. 1 (PDF 26 kb file)
• Fingerprinting Tells All  - Lab No. 2 (PDF 12 kb file)
• Fingerprinting DNA Strands (Word 6 kb file)

Note that If you wish to access the PDF files
but do not have Acrobat Reader installed on your system,
you can DOWNLOAD this free software from Adobe Systems.

For more information and additional biotechnology resources, please call:

Washington Biotechnology Foundation
425.990.4545

Dedicated to increasing the understanding
of biotechnology through education.

Washington Biotechnology Foundation Teaching Curriculum:
To Catch a Thief: DNA is the Key
Copyright 1999-2002