The authors developed a project with funding from Science Year in conjunction with a number of Belfast primary schools in which they introduced the process of DNA fingerprinting as part of a wider programme to investigate children's attitudes to science. There are two main difficulties in taking DNA fingerprinting into the primary school in any meaningful manner. The first is how to explain what is taking place to the children in a way they will understand, and the second is the problem of equipment. The authors used college equipment and students to deliver the bulk of the programme with class teachers. They asked the teachers to prepare the ground for DNA fingerprinting by getting children to develop their own "murder scenarios". The authors describe how primary school children can carry out DNA fingerprinting. (Contains 1 figure.)