1. Show the video Forensic DNA Analysis. Discuss the following:

• What does the DQA1 DNA test identify?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?
• Can the results of this test accurately pinpoint the source of the blood? Why or why not?

2. Have students do the Create a DNA Fingerprint Web activity. Then give student teams index cards and ask them to write the name of each step of the DNA fingerprinting process on the front of a separate card, with an explanation for the step on the back. Ask teams to put the cards in order according to the sequence of steps. Then have students shuffle the cards and put them back in order. Have each team tape their cards in order to the board and compare their sequences and explanations to those of other teams. Ask different students to explain what happens in each step.

3. Have students read and take notes on the How DNA Evidence Works Document. Then have the same student teams as before answer these questions:

• What are VNTRs, and why are they valuable for DNA fingerprinting?
• Why can't DNA fingerprinting provide a definitive identification of the suspect?

4. Give teams of students a set of the DNA fingerprint cards. Ask them to interpret the fingerprints and compare their answers to those of other teams when they are finished. Provide a key of the correct answers.

5. Have students do a jigsaw activity to explore other examples of how DNA fingerprinting has been used (Jigsaw Explanation (PDF)). Use the sources listed below. Divide DNA on the Witness Stand into sections if necessary.

• DNA on the Witness Stand Document
• DNA Makes History Document
• Forensics Document
• Dab of DNA Helps Keep Counterfeiters at Bay Document

Have students listen to the NPR "All Things Considered" audio program DNA Evidence. Ask pairs of students to consider and discuss these key questions:

• What issues and concerns about DNA testing are raised in this program?
• Do you think that anyone who is arrested should be required to have his or her DNA tested? Why or why not?
• What safeguards, if any, should there be on future uses of DNA databases?

6. Ask students to report to the class three things they learned about DNA fingerprinting that they found surprising. Or, have students use the term DNA Fingerprint as an acronym. Have students in teams brainstorm what they have learned about this topic and then organize this information into sentences that begin with each letter of the acronym. Ask them to include the most essential information about the topic. For example:

DNA sections with repeating sequences are called VNTRs and are used in DNA fingerprinting.
No DNA fingerprint test can prove defendant's guilt, but a match can establish probability.
A fingerprint begins with a sample of tissue such as blood, skin, or semen.

Fingerprinting can also be used to determine paternity and to identify victims of disasters or war.
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Gel electrophoresis separates the DNA fragments by size, as the smaller pieces move faster through the gel.
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Restriction enzymes break DNA into more manageable sizes for fingerprinting.
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