To help find the best STEM-related jobs in the state, we get a little help from Georgia’s top investigative unit—the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. We take an old-school detective approach and discover Teachable Moments on DNA and latent prints. And we even learn what it takes to turn a former cheerleader into a crime scene investigator. Case closed!

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

To help find the best STEM-related jobs in the state, we get a little help from Georgia’s top investigative unit—the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. We take an old-school detective approach and discover Teachable Moments on DNA and latent prints. And we even learn what it takes to turn a former cheerleader into a crime scene investigator. Case closed!

Science

SB2.a

Construct an explanation of how the structures of DNA and RNA lead to the expression of information within the cell via the processes of replication, transcription, and translation.

SB2.c

Ask questions to gather and communicate information about the use and ethical considerations of biotechnology in forensics, medicine, and agriculture.

Social Studies

SSSocSC4.d

Analyze the functions and inequalities of the criminal justice system in relationship to a society's construct of crime and punishment.

1. Fingerprints are a type of unique physical characteristic, or biometric, used for identification. What other types of biometrics can you think of that investigators might collect?

2. If fingerprints can help find where someone was, what are some digital fingerprints today that can help tell the same thing?

Bureau: a government department or part of a government department in the U.S.

 

DNA: (deoxyribonucleic acid) a substance that carries genetic information in the cells of plants and animals

 

Forensics: the study or science of solving crimes by using scientific knowledge or methods

 

Latent print: cannot be seen or invisible to the naked eye; of an unknown source or origin

 

Polygraph: a test that is done with a lie detector to see if someone is telling the truth