Students discussed DNA, that long descriptive term with even longer strands present in each cell nucleus. After
building models of DNA, they used the models to solve a murder mystery, simulating actual criminologist
activities. The grand finale had students extracting and observing DNA strands gathered from wheat cells.
Everyone unraveled the murder mystery, but no one successfully unraveled their DNA strand...

One team assembles their strands while another plans their strategy and yet another makes connections.

Proper sequencing of all the "..ides" is very important in building DNA models for the murder mystery lab.
 

Preparing for DNA extration requires careful measurement and use of correct ingredients, plus time...

 Extracting DNA from wheat cells takes a steady hand (or two) and a winding motion to assure success.