The Case of the Destroyed Lollipop
Name: ____________________________________ Date: ____________ Block: ________
Introduction:
You and your partner are detectives assigned to find the culprit in "The Case
of the Destroyed Lollipop."
In completing this task and identifying the suspect, you and your partner will
demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the structure and
function of DNA. Additionally, you will gain further understanding of how
DNA fingerprinting is performed and what it is used for in crime
scene/forensics setting.
Assessment:
Describe DNA fingerprinting, including a brief history and provide an example of how it can be used
based on the information found on the The University of Utah Genetics Page and Prophase Genetics
History of DNA pages.
It Takes a Lickin’
Describe the steps you take in the NOVA lab do perform DNA fingerprinting, and briefly explain the
reason for each of the steps. Be sure to include the substances you add to the DNA and what their role
is.
After you have completed analyzing the evidence found at the crime scene, identify which of Jimmy’s
sisters is responsible for destroying is Holographic NOVA lollipop.
The Case of the Destroyed Lollipop
The Chronology of a Murder
After reading the timeline of the murder of Marilyn Sheppard, which occurred on July 4, 1954. How
could DNA evidence have been used to either clear or convict the doctor of his wife’s murder?
Given the technology at the time, was this likely to happen? What if this crime happened today? What’s
the difference?
As of January 2000, efforts to solve the murder of Marilyn Sheppard have resumed, what advances have
allowed for this to happen?
Science in the Courtroom:
Based on the interview with Judge Paul Chernoff, do you think DNA evidence should be used in courts?
Why/Why not?
What are the pros and cons of using DNA evidence?
The Case of the Destroyed Lollipop
CATEGORY
Summary of DNA
Fingerprinting
4 - You Rock
Summary of DNA
fingerprinting was
well written and
thorough, it
included all
necessary aspects
including some
historical
perspective on the
process and
examples of how
DNA fingerprinting
can be utilized.
Description of DNA
fingerprinting
process was well
written and
thorough, and
included all
necessary aspects.
Reflection was well
thought out, well
written and
showed mastery of
material.
3 - Getting Warmer
Summary of DNA
fingerprinting was
well written
although was
lacking some
details, which may
or may not have
included historical
perspective or
examples of how
DNA fingerprinting
can be used.
2 - Not Quite
Summary of DNA
fingerprinting was
poorly written and
lacking the major
elements including
historical
perspective or
examples.
1 - Keep trying
Summary of DNA
fingerprinting was
poorly written and
did not include any
of the
recommended
elements.
Description of DNA
fingerprinting
process was well
written but was
lacking some
details and
necessary aspects.
Reflection was well
thought out, and
showed some
understanding of
material.
Description of DNA
fingerprinting was
poorly written and
lacking the major
elements.
Science in the
courtroom
reflection
Reflection was well
thought out, well
written and
showed mastery of
material.
Reflection was well
thought out, and
showed some
understanding of
material.
Reflection was well
thought out, and
showed some
understanding of
material.
Utilization of time
Student makes
good use of class
time, remains on
task, and is able to
complete the
assignment.
Student makes
good use of time
but is unable to
complete the
assignment.
Student does not
make good use of
time, although is
still able to
complete the
assignment.
Adherence to SHS
Acceptable Use
Policy
Student adheres to
the Salem High
School Acceptable
Use Policy 100% of
the time.
Student adheres to
the Salem High
School Acceptable
Use Policy most of
the time.
Student adheres to
the Salem High
School Acceptable
Use Policy some of
the time, may have
Description of DNA
fingerprinting was
poorly written and
did not include any
of the
recommended
elements.
Reflection was not
well thought out,
poorly written and
did not
demonstrate
understanding of
the material.
Reflection was not
well thought out,
poorly written and
did not
demonstrate
understanding of
the material.
Student does not
make good use of
time, does not stay
on task, and is
unable to
complete
assignment.
Student does not
adhere to the
Salem High School
Acceptable Use
Policy, was found
Description of DNA
Fingerprinting
process
Chronology of
Murder Reflection
Reflection was well
thought out, and
showed some
understanding of
material.
The Case of the Destroyed Lollipop
been observed on
websites not
relevant to the
assignment.
on unauthorized
websites.