Fingerprints...

Although everyone has a unique set of fingerprints, there are some common fingerprint characteristics.  Big Kid scientists can explore their own fingerprints and those of their friends and family members.

Ages: Big Kid Scientists

Materials:  black ink pad, paper, fingers, down load lab sheets by following the links in the procedure

Procedure:

• Study the basic characteristics of fingerprints with this information. or search the internet for more information.
• Collect your own fingerprints...you may want to practice a couple times before you print them on the data sheet.  Roll your finger carefully on the ink pad, just once across, then roll your finger onto a piece of paper.  You should be able to see the print clearly.  This does take practice, so be patient.  Once you can create a clear print, enter your prints on the data sheet.
• Analyze your fingerprints, it might help to use a hand lens or magnifier.  What patterns do you see?  How many different characteristics do you have?
• Collect the fingerprints of family members or friends.  You can print additional copies of the data sheet for your collection.
• Now you can use the graph to analyze your fingerprint collection.  What do you notice?  What are you wondering about fingerprints?