Association for Biology Laboratory Education

Murder and Mayhem in Non-Majors Biology
 



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)