Description
This project was about learning forensic science and the techniques involved. Our class groups were given the 'case' of solving Carlton Comet's murder and finding the suspect. To find evidence, we conducted various experiments including DNA fingerprinting, color fingerprinting, ink chromatography, blood typing, looking at karyotypes, and looking at pedigrees.
These experiments then gave pieces of evidence which lead to my group's conclusion. We charged Nancy Normal with first degree murder due to her intentionally killing Carlton Comet. We then presented the information we collected in a slideshow to prove why we charged Nancy Normal.
These experiments then gave pieces of evidence which lead to my group's conclusion. We charged Nancy Normal with first degree murder due to her intentionally killing Carlton Comet. We then presented the information we collected in a slideshow to prove why we charged Nancy Normal.
Slide Show |
Science Concepts |
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Genetic Disease: A genetic problem caused by an abnormality in an organism's genome. Genetic diseases were used to trace Huntington's disease down a pedigree, leading to Nancy Normal.
Genetic Mutation: An alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. Mutations can be transmitted down subsequent generations. These mutations can be insertions, deletions, or repetitions of base pairs, sequences of base pairs, entire genes; or even chromosomal changes. We used mutations in the genomes of suspects to help better isolate the murderer. Punnet Square: Representation using a table chart to predict the outcome of a breeding of two organisms. Used to find what traits the offspring can have and the likelihood they express certain inheritable traits. We used these in a mini project called Design-O-Saur to figure out the traits a dinosaur will have. Pedigree: A visual diagram depicting the ancestry of a person or family. Can show diseases that exist in the family and how they were passed down. We used a pedigree to trace suspect's history and to identify diseases that some of them had. Karyotype: The number and visual appearance of the chromosomes in the cell nuclei of an organism. We used karyotypes to discover that Nancy Normal had Triple X syndrome (having 3 X chromosomes). Ink Chromatography: Separation of a mixture by passing it in solution or suspension or through a medium in which the components move at different rates. We used this to discover who wrote a death note to Carlton Comet. |
Reflection
This project went well overall. I learned a multitude of things about genetic mutations; how they work and what effects they have. One thing that I did well in this project was collaborating with my peers. My group had no issues when we worked together leading us to not having quarrels. This allowed us to work better and resulted in a better learning environment. Another peak in this project for me was actually understanding the material. This project was surprisingly interesting and fun to me. And due to this, I learned all the information that was presented quickly and accurately. This shows how learning can be made more enjoyable. On the other hand, one thing I could improve upon would be leadership. I did not take it upon myself to make sure everyone in my group was working or to try to involve everybody. I could improve upon this by paying more attention to my group members and getting them involved. Another thing I could improve upon would be staying on task and my work ethic. Since my group collaborated well, we tended to stray off task sometimes. This could be easily fixed by setting goals so we stay on task to accomplish them.