What Was Our Project?
For our fourth STEM project of the year, we took a look into the fascinating world of forensic science. For this project, we looked at the different methods that can be used to analyze evidence, how that can be connected to an actual investigation, and how we can bring that all together to form a legal case. In order to practically apply all of this information, we had to solve a murder. My group (which consisted of Cooper Hochman, Jack Mulligan, and myself), had to use a fingerprint, DNA, blood, family history, and the ink from a pen to solve who murdered a fictional man named Carlton Comet. The methods that we used to the analyze evidence found above can be found in the terms section. On this page, you can find a slideshow we made with our final conclusion, our pedigree, a list of all of the terms from this project, and my reflection on the project.
Slideshow Notes:
slideshow_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 7 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Our Pedigree:
Concepts Used In This Project:
Fingerprinting- The process of matching unique human fingerprints to each other. We used this during our project when we had to match a fingerprint found on the crime scene to one of the suspects.
Ink Chromatography- A process which is used to separate ink which exposes the different molecules of ink by dying them different colors. We used this process to identify who’s pen was used to write a note at the crime scene.
Karyotype- A visual representation of one’s chromosomes. The chromosomes are stained to be made visible. We used the karyotypes for each of the suspects to try and find a match to the crime scene.
Pedigrees- A graphic used to represent the history of a family, used to track family relations and the passing down of traits within a family. This was used in our project to track the relations and potential traits of the suspects.
DNA Structure- DNA is in a shape called a double helix, is made up of nucleotides, and consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone. This concept was a part of our broader dive into genetics.
DNA Replication- A part of the cell division in which DNA replicates itself. This concept was a general part of our look into genetics.
Alleles- An alternate form of a gene, such as different eye colors. This was a part of our general look into genetics.
Dominant and Recessive Genes- A dominant gene is one that will always be shown if present. A recessive gene is one that will only be expressed in a homozygous pair. This connects to our project as we used if a trait was dominant or recessive to determine the likelihood it would appear in a suspect.
Chromosomal Disorders/Diseases- A disorder or disease that is caused by an issue in one’s chromosomes. Some include XXX Syndrome, XXY Syndrome, XYY Syndrome, and Down Syndrome which all can cause changes to the body, mental ability, and emotions. We used this in our project as we were able to match a suspect to the murder weapon through their chromosomal disorders.
DNA Mutations- A alternation in a genetic sequence and is also one of the ways in which evolution occurs. After our initial project, we did a small one day project all about a type of DNA mutation of our choice which for us was duplication mutation. This type of mutation occurs when crossing-over in meiosis goes wrong an results in extra genetic code.
Ink Chromatography- A process which is used to separate ink which exposes the different molecules of ink by dying them different colors. We used this process to identify who’s pen was used to write a note at the crime scene.
Karyotype- A visual representation of one’s chromosomes. The chromosomes are stained to be made visible. We used the karyotypes for each of the suspects to try and find a match to the crime scene.
Pedigrees- A graphic used to represent the history of a family, used to track family relations and the passing down of traits within a family. This was used in our project to track the relations and potential traits of the suspects.
DNA Structure- DNA is in a shape called a double helix, is made up of nucleotides, and consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone. This concept was a part of our broader dive into genetics.
DNA Replication- A part of the cell division in which DNA replicates itself. This concept was a general part of our look into genetics.
Alleles- An alternate form of a gene, such as different eye colors. This was a part of our general look into genetics.
Dominant and Recessive Genes- A dominant gene is one that will always be shown if present. A recessive gene is one that will only be expressed in a homozygous pair. This connects to our project as we used if a trait was dominant or recessive to determine the likelihood it would appear in a suspect.
Chromosomal Disorders/Diseases- A disorder or disease that is caused by an issue in one’s chromosomes. Some include XXX Syndrome, XXY Syndrome, XYY Syndrome, and Down Syndrome which all can cause changes to the body, mental ability, and emotions. We used this in our project as we were able to match a suspect to the murder weapon through their chromosomal disorders.
DNA Mutations- A alternation in a genetic sequence and is also one of the ways in which evolution occurs. After our initial project, we did a small one day project all about a type of DNA mutation of our choice which for us was duplication mutation. This type of mutation occurs when crossing-over in meiosis goes wrong an results in extra genetic code.
Reflection:
For our project, it was a sort of mixed bag, with us doing somethings well, in addition to some shortcomings. Firstly, what we did well is how we were able to construct a case. I fell we did a good job taking all the evidence that we gathered to make a plausible case on who could have committed the murder, with us getting our search warrant. Another thing my team and I did well was being able to be flexible. The day of our presentation, one of my group members wasn’t there and myself and the rest of the group did a good job of changing our presentation to account for this loss.
For all that we did well, there were some shortcomings in our project. One of which being the errors that we made during our forensic tests. An example of this being the DNA fingerprinting test, we made a mistake inserting the DNA that make the results still visible and viable, but significantly weaker than other groups. For the future, I will be sure to follow the directions more clearly and ask more questions. Another misstep that I personally made during the project, was making sure all the members of my group were being productive. During the making of the presentation, I could have done a better job ensuring that the members of my group were on task and helping out. This was an issue with my last project and something I will continue to work on.
For all that we did well, there were some shortcomings in our project. One of which being the errors that we made during our forensic tests. An example of this being the DNA fingerprinting test, we made a mistake inserting the DNA that make the results still visible and viable, but significantly weaker than other groups. For the future, I will be sure to follow the directions more clearly and ask more questions. Another misstep that I personally made during the project, was making sure all the members of my group were being productive. During the making of the presentation, I could have done a better job ensuring that the members of my group were on task and helping out. This was an issue with my last project and something I will continue to work on.