Link to our lab as a pdf - College of Science - Marshall University

Introduction to Identity Crisis
WELCOME to Identity Crisis, a DNA Typing lab in the Mystery of Lyle and
Louise. A brutal murder case is unfolding in a small Appalachian town.
Already the case spans two crime scenes and five people are dead. However,
two women, one at each crime scene, have been identified as Louise Mondelo.
Your students, as the forensic
investigators responsible for
the DNA evidence, must positively
identify Louise Mondelo
and also analyze the DNA
evidence for clues that might
help crack the case.
In this lab, students will learn
about DNA Typing and related
technologies. These include
the polymerase chain
reaction (PCR), a method for
amplifying small samples of
DNA, and electrophoresis, a
method for separating bands
within the PCR product. An
introduction to short tandem
repeat DNA analysis is also
covered in this booklet.
In addition to reading information provided about the case, students will test
DNA samples from people and objects, compare them to each other, and make
assessments of the probability that samples came from the same source. Once
the lab results have been analyzed, students may host a mock trial to hold a chosen
suspect accountable for their actions.
Teacher’s notes can be found at the beginning of the manual and copies may be
freely made of all materials for your students.
The Mystery of Lyle and Louise 5