Mysteries & Mansions – TSP
BIO I - LIFE SCIENCE :
Forensics
Total Unit Running Time: 35-45* minutes
FIELD TRIP : Soda Pop “Murder” Mystery Part 1
Running Time: 5:33
NGSS: HS-LS1-1, HS-LS3-3
Become a sleuth alongside VVR Host, Steve Grubbs, as he collects DNA from a crime scene while working to solve a “murder” that occurred in his home. Learn about the different types of evidence and collection methods while gathering clues. For the conclusion of this murder mystery, students can view the teacher demo in this unit to learn about what happens to the collected evidence.
For more information on DNA fingerprinting, visit here
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE : Clouds Over Yonder
Running Time: Self-paced*
Students control their flight through the sky while diving through rings as the way to select correct answers to questions posed in the clouds. Leaning forward and slightly turning their body allows students to control their flight speed and direction, avoiding abstract hazards in the atmosphere while recalling information they learned completing other pieces of this unit.
STORY: The 13 Donuts
Running Time: 7:57
NGSS: HS-LS1-3
Topics Covered
- Concepts of homeostasis
- Examples of positive feedback mechanisms
Assessment Answer Key & Critical Thinking Skills
- C (BT1—knowledge)
- A (BT2—comprehension)
- B (BT4—analysis)
- D (BT5—synthesis)
- B (BT2—comprehension)
COMIC BOOK : Game of Traits
Running Time: Self-paced*
NGSS: HS-LS3-1
Topics Covered
- Dominant vs. Recessive traits
- Factors that cause variation
- Inheritable genetic variation & gene flow
Assessment Answer Key & Critical Thinking Skills
- D (BT1—knowledge)
- D (BT2—comprehension)
- C (BT2—comprehension)
- A (BT4—analysis)
- D (BT5—synthesis)
TEACHER DEMO: Soda Pop “Murder” Mystery Part 2
Running Time: 9:44
NGSS: HS-LS1-1, HS-LS3-3
Vocabulary: gel electrophoresis, latent fingerprint
Topics Covered
- Lab analysis of fingerprints
- Fingerprint features
Assessment Answer Key & Critical Thinking Skills
- D (BT5—synthesis)
- B (BT2—comprehension)
- A (BT4—analysis)
- D (BT5—synthesis)
- D (BT2—comprehension)
RELATED STEM CAREERS :
Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Investigator, Pathologist, Forensic Scientist
Science Standards:
NGSS: HS-LS1-1, HS-LS1-3, HS-LS3-2, HS-LS3-3; TEKS: 112.34(c.11.A), 130.415(c.2.K), 130.415(c.3.G), 130.415(c.4.F), 130.415(c.5.D), 130.415(c.10.F)