Crime Scene DNA/RNA/Amino Acid Activity

Just finished going over DNA, RNA, transcription, translation, and codon chart? Looking for an activity to tie it all together and pique student interest? Give this a try!

In this activity, students are given a sample of DNA collected at a crime scene and asked to determine traits of the killer in order to create a character sketch. They are then given DNA test results of three suspects that matched their character sketch, and are asked to identify the killer by finding the matching DNA sequence! Students will transcribe DNA to mRNA, and then use the mRNA codons with the codon chart to find amino acid sequences.

This product includes the following:
-Case briefing explaining the crime scene and activity expectations
-killer's DNA and Trait's Chart
-Codon Chart
-Traits Data table to record work on
-DNA results for suspect
-Answer sheet
-"How to use this resource" page

My students really enjoyed this activity, and I hope yours will, too!