The goal is to develop two highly interactive web simulations with which introductory biology students can test and refine their understanding about basic concepts, specifically Mendelian inheritance and recombinant DNA techniques. The first program will generate pedigrees, portraying over generations the inheritance of an unknown disease. The second program will generate fingerprints for a group of imaginary organisms whose relationships are unknown.

The hope is to extend the laboratory experience in a way the students can gain a more realistic appreciation of how the techniques discussed are utilized in real-life situations. Simplification of protocols to fit three hour laboratory periods can promote misunderstanding although the intent is to illustrate. For example, students who separate two to three bands per sample (by electrophoresis in a “DNA fingerprinting” laboratory) sometimes feel that having one band that “matches” with evidence for a suspect can mean the difference between prison and freedom. Our DNA exercise will explain the science behind DNA fingerprinting that ensures its accuracy. The exercise will clearly indicate all the choices available to practitioners, explain why the type of DNA targeted generates unique individual patterns, and even step students through an analysis of the first DNA fingerprints used in a courtroom.