Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Murder and Mayhem in Non-Majors Biology
 

Jean L. Dickey and V. Christine Minor

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2001, Volume 22

Abstract

Who killed James Watson in the biology lab, with the biology textbook? In this non-majors laboratory exercise, students use scientific inquiry skills to solve a murder mystery. Many are suspects, but only one committed the crime. Each student plays a role and tries to uncover motive and opportunity of the other suspects. Hypotheses are tested with physical evidence: fingerprints, blood type, and paper strip DNA analysis.

Keywords:  inquiry, hypothesis testing, non-majors biology, DNA fingerprint

Clemson University (2000)