Engage students in forensic DNA analysis by investigating a famous royal mystery

In 1483, two English princes vanished, and their remains have never been found. Inspired by this real-life mystery, the Princes in the Tower dye electrophoresis lab introduces students to forensic DNA analysis. Students use gel electrophoresis to examine DNA from two pairs of unidentified remains that have been speculated to be the lost princes, along with DNA from the princes’ parents.

A historical twist on the traditional forensics lab, The Princes in the Tower is a great fit for middle school and general high school classes.

Engage your students in biotechnology with a streamlined protocol

All miniPCR dye labs, including the Princes in the Tower Lab, use room-temperature-stable dye samples. Students can watch the samples run in as little as 25 minutes, and no additional visualization equipment is required. 

The Princes in the Tower Learning Lab includes:

• A visual lab guide designed for increased accessibility.  The background of the Princes in the Tower lab is written in a visual format, integrating text, diagrams, and review questions to enhance student understanding of forensic DNA analysis using gel electrophoresis.
• Pre-aliquoted sample strips. The Princes in the Tower lab kit includes pre-aliquoted samples for 8 lab groups, cutting down on prep time. 
• Pre-measured electrophoresis reagents. All of our dye labs come complete with Agarose Tabs™ and a single-serving pouch of TBE buffer. All you need to add is water.

Related resources:

• Video: What is Gel Electrophoresis?
• Video: Introducing Bandit
• Dye electrophoresis labs from miniPCR bio