Partners in Science

DNAEpiCenter, New London, CT

The DNAEpicenter, located in the arboretum on the campus of Connecticut College, has designed field study units for sixth through eighth grade students that draw on their interest in solving crime scenes. These units involve hands-on, inquiry-based experiences that address specific life science and physical science content standards of the 2004 CT Science Frameworks. Although they are aligned to the grade levels in the Frameworks, individual schools may adjust the activities to match their curricular needs.

The DNAEpiCenter has exhibits and models about DNA, the role of chromosomes, famous scientists, including an actual set-up of Barbara McClintock’s genetics lab, and several lab spaces where students can engage in activities.

The focus of the three field study units is the mock crime scene where a couple has died mysteriously and where the students can find clues to help them solve the crime. Students have also been given some evidence in pre-visit materials and activities led by their teachers. Don’t expect to wrap this up in an hour as if it were a television show, however, as there are enough different clues to study to last over three field studies and then some...even the creator herself claims not to know the solution!  

Ideally, students will have the opportunity to return to the museum for all three grade level field studies, thereby layering their knowledge about the crime scene. Students are also encouraged to return to the museum with their families to continue to try and solve the crime.

Teacher Preparation:

All teachers interested in bringing their students to the DNAEpiCenter for these field studies must participate in a full day training session. Teachers will receive all the materials necessary to do pre and post visit activities as well as suggestions about connecting these units to math and language arts. During the training, teachers will learn how to perform all the experiments that their students will perform, learn the science behind these activities, and get a chance to meet and speak with visiting scientists.

For more information, contact: www.DNAEpiCenter.org

To view aligned field trips at DNAEpiCenter, visit our
Science Framework Resources Database