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Lab Practical Lesson Plan

Purpose:

· To provide students with an opportunity to practice forensic science techniques learned in class.
· To evaluate students on the forensic science unit.
· To introduce students to scientific writing.

Student Objectives:

1. Students will be able to apply the concepts from the forensic science lessons to a lab problem.
2. Students will be able to solve a mystery using experimentation and observation.
3. Students will be able to write a technically correct lab report.

Materials Needed:

1. All previous unit lab materials
2. Lab handout
3. DNA analysis cards
4. Lab report handout

Anticipatory Set:

1. Set up crime scene - The school was invaded by hooligans. During the invasion, the walls, carpets, desks, and text books were vandalized and all the computers were stolen. Luckily, the school invaders were sloppy. They left behind a trail of evidence that could lead to their capture. Your task is to gather and analyze the evidence, comparing it to three suspects. Present your findings in a complete lab report.

2. Explain practical to students -

· Collect all evidence from the crime scenes and transport it to the lab.
· Determine which tests need to be performed and what materials you will need - refer to previous labs.
· Conduct all lab work, making sure you record all your results.
· Compile data and determine who the school invader was.
· Write a complete lab report, following the template provided.

Procedure:

1. Complete anticipatory set as described. (Day One)
2. Allow students to collect evidence from the crime scene.
3. Once students have completed the collection of evidence, allow them to conduct their experiments. (Days Two and Three)
4. Supervise students to ensure they remain on task and that they set their labs up correctly. Assist as needed, but allow the final decision about how the "investigation" will be conducted up to them.
5. At the beginning of Day Three, pass out the lab report handout and discuss your expectations for their written report. Allow students to continue with their experiments after answering all questions.

Adaptations:

· Because the lab practical is a cooperative activity with mixed ability groups, no adaptations are required.

Closure:

1. Each day, briefly recap on all the forensic science lessons that composed the unit. Ask students to make suggestions about how their prior knowledge can help them solve this larger problem.
2. On the last day, have students reflect on the unit. Ask them to write in their journals what they have learned, how they can apply this knowledge in their lives, and what their favorite and least favorite parts of the unit were.

Reinforcement Activity:

· The practical will reinforce the entire forensic science unit.

Student Evaluation:

· Student will be evaluated on their practical write-up as per the rubric.
Lesson Evaluation:

· The lesson will be evaluated based on student performance on the practical write-up. Students will be expected to receive a minimum grade of 80%.