The DNA Detective: Reuniting Families with DNA Fingerprinting and Electrophoresis

Are you ready to step into the shoes of a forensic genealogist? At this year’s NSTA workshop in Philadelphia, Edvotek invites you to solve a family mystery using DNA fingerprinting and electrophoresis in our hands-on workshop: The DNA Detective: Reuniting Families with DNA Fingerprinting and Electrophoresis!

What’s the mystery?

Imagine two boys who were separated from their parents a decade ago. Now, using DNA analysis, students will work to reunite them with their biological families. But how?

This experiment guides students through the process of identifying maternal and paternal relationships using mitochondrial and chromosomal DNA:

• Mothers are identified by mitochondrial DNA, which is passed from mother to child.
• Fathers are identified using chromosomal DNA, which follows traditional inheritance patterns.

Students will compare simulated DNA samples from the two brothers and three potential parents, analyzing banding patterns to determine biological relationships. Who’s the father?

What to Expect at the NSTA Workshop:

At our hands-on session, educators will:

• Learn about mitochondrial and chromosomal DNA fingerprinting
• Perform agarose gel electrophoresis to separate different-sized dye molecules representing genetic markers
• Analyze data to determine familial relationships

This exciting experiment not only reinforces genetics and inheritance concepts but also engages students with a compelling real-world application of forensic genealogy—the same technology used to solve cold cases, reunite missing persons with their families, and what fuels popularized reality shows such as Maury and Jerry Springer (does this ring a bell – “You are not the father!”).

Why This Matters

DNA fingerprinting has transformed forensic science and genealogy. By participating in this activity, students will:

• Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Gain hands-on experience with electrophoresis, a key biotechnology technique
• Connect genetics to real-world applications that impact lives

Join Us at NSTA Philadelphia!

If you’re attending NSTA in Philadelphia, don’t miss your chance to experience The DNA Detective live! Whether you’re new to electrophoresis or a seasoned educator, this workshop will provide valuable tools for making genetics and forensic science come alive in the classroom.

Where? Find Edvotek at the NSTA workshop
When? Check the schedule for session details. The conference is from March 26-29th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center!

Come join us, solve the mystery, and bring forensic science into your classroom!

Can’t Join Us at NSTA?

We’d love to see you in Philadelphia, but if you can’t make it, don’t worry! The DNA Detective and many other exciting hands-on biotechnology kits are available through Edvotek. Visit our website to explore classroom-ready experiments, free teaching resources, and professional development opportunities.