Spring SAVY 2019, Day 3 – Forensic Science (1st/2nd)
Parents,
We had another fabulous day together exploring more about the field of forensic science. Today our focus shifted from acids and bases to DNA. We learned that while DNA is often categorized in the scientific field of genetics, we would be focusing on the chemistry of DNA. We watched videos (shared below), explored with hands-on models, and looked at pictures about animal cells. Students identified the part of cells where DNA is stored. They learned how cells are made and how DNA contains unique chemical compositions that are designed for all organisms. Students gained new vocabulary and had many opportunities to explain their understanding of this vocabulary as we conducted two fun hands-on experiments.
Today, we had the privilege of extracting our own DNA from our saliva (link below). Students were ecstatic to see their own DNA release from the cells on the inside of their cheek be suspended in our chemical solution. We learned that process as to how DNA is able to leave the cell and be extracted. Finally, we looked at sample DNA strands that had been converted to visual patterns using the spectrophotometry. Students analyzed the patterns found within these strands to explain the relationship between crime scene evidence and each suspect’s DNA. We cannot wait to show you our ongoing collection of evidence and notes in our case files during our final Open House!
It’s a joy to work with your enthusiastic children every week! I look forward to expanding their knowledge next Saturday as we continue looking at DNA. Our focus will be on the genetic traits of fingerprinting. Below are some links to the videos we watched in class this week- the students were very excited and requested that I share!
Extracting DNA from your saliva!
Analyzing DNA in a lab (mainly the first 2 minutes)
Sincerely,
Stacia Mills
Our Forensic Scientists Studying the Samples
