Investigate Fingerprints
Updated: Aug 28, 2022
What is a forensic scientist? With this science activity, you will investigate fingerprints and learn more about forensic science.
Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence during the course of an investigation. One of them is by collecting fingerprints. A fingerprint is the patterning that is formed by the ridged skin on our fingertips. Fingerprints are markers of individual identity and the patterns are unique for each person. They are used in many different ways. Collected from crime scenes, fingerprints can provide crucial evidence about who committed a crime. Through the use of electronic biometric readers, fingerprints can give access to a college dining hall or even unlock your phone or computer.
This simple activity will teach you how to examine and investigate fingerprints. Have fun, STEM Warriors!
WHAT YOU NEEED
1. Pencil
2. Scotch tape
3. Clean Bond Paper
4. Brush
5. Baby Powder
6. Used Glass
WHAT YOU DO
Investigate Your Own Fingerprint
1. Use your pencil and create a dark shade on the paper.
2. Cut a 2-inch piece of scotch tape and place it on the table with the sticky side up.
3. Use any of your fingers, and press them on the pencil shade. Make sure that the pencil shade fills your fingertips.
4. Press your finger to the sticky side of the tape for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Press it straight down to avoid smudging.
5. Get the tape and stick it to the paper. You should be able to see your fingerprint.
6. Do this to your family and friends too and observe their unique fingerprints!
Investigate Another Person’s Fingerprint
1. Get the brush and dip it into the baby powder. Make sure to get a good amount of it into the brush.
2. Brush it onto the used glass in a circular motion until you see a fingerprint. You can dip it again in the baby powder or brush it also on different sides.
3. Try doing this with other things too that are always used at home!
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