Introduction to DNA Fingerprinting Activity

So much fun! This DNA fingerprinting activity is simplified specifically for middle school!

In this activity, students will:

• Read a silly (not scary) murder mystery. The scene is set for students to figure out who killed Mr. Henry Lord Whippleton. There are two suspects… and one of their DNA fingerprints will match the DNA found at the crime scene!
• Get an introduction to DNA fingerprinting with a 1-page introduction and a tiny bit of practice.
• “Process” the two suspects’ DNA (involving cutting and pasting paper DNA strips) to make a DNA fingerprint for each suspect.
• Compare the DNA fingerprints they have generated to the one found at the crime scene. Mystery solved!

You may also be interested in :

• Paper DNA Model
• DNA Mutations Reading & Questions
• DNA Extraction for Middle School
• Genetic Engineering Reading & Questions

Teacher Notes:

• Generally, with time for introduction and discussion, this activity takes 2 class periods.
• Please note: This DNA fingerprinting activity is NOT editable.
• NGSS Science & Engineering Practice: Developing and using models
• Answer key provided.
• Check out more resources in the DNA and heredity section of our shop!
• You can also shop our TPT store!

Related Standards:

• NGSS MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
• NGSS MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.