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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.

Mass Spectroscopy *suitable for home teaching*

This resource looks at how cutting edge science is being used to answer archaeological questions, as well as solving present day problems, such as the identification of meat in processed foods. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA was performed, at the University of York, on samples from skeletal remains unearthed by the University of Leicester. The remains were thought to be those of the King Richard III. Five centuries after its burial, a range of techniques were used to identify the skeleton. These were:

  • DNA analysis
  • Bone analysis
  • Genealogical study
  • Evidence from the archaeological dig
  • Forensic pathology analysis
  • Radiocarbon dating
  • Comparison with historical sources

The students activities include mass spectrometry, mitochondrial DNA analysis and looking at protein structure using collagen as an example.

This resource funded by Research Councils UK (RCUK).

Please note, some interactive files have been removed from this resource, as they are no longer supported by Adobe Flash Player.

 

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