EDU643+Ben+Clemons


 * Ben's lesson plan for inquiry-based experience in modern biotechnology**


 * Of course the most complicated part will be the DNA analysis. I'd most appreciate your comments on the feasibility of determining the difference between either two closely related humans or a human and a dog based on DNA samples derived from hair samples.**


 * Looking forward to reading your lessons,**
 * Ben**


 * P.S. Could you post the lecture notes from lesson 5 either on this site or on the WLC website?**

Ben, I like the overview you provided with your lesson. It sets the stage of what you want to accomplish yet is not full of teacher key terms. I use bell ringers or items of interest to engage students and the fact that most of your students have seen a CSI you have incorporated a way to pique their interest and make it applicable to them. The division of labor based on abilities is a great idea. It will also address a misconception that many of the students will have that a CSI agent will perform all aspects of the investigation which is not true. Is there a way to incorporate writing or developing a final report for this? Scientific writing is an important skill that should be reinforced early and often in education. Like I mentioned with Tim’s lesson, this would also be a great opportunity to bring in a detective or crime lab scientist to discuss what they do. It can also be a time to discuss the path that would need to be taken to work in a crime lab. From Chris

Ben, I like your lesson. Great minds think alike. The concept of identifying what pieces of evidence that are necessary, reliable, or even misleading (I hope there would be a few red herrings in your evidence), is chock full of inquiry. Would you ever entertain having a second crime later in the year where students are placed in different investigation groups? I could see this being useful for a students who were able to develop the skills necessary to be in the more advanced groups as the year progresses. Tim


 * Great ideas and suggestions. Thanks!**