Wednesday, June 2, 2010

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?

4 Science Moms have commented...:

Shopper Gal said...

What a fun experiment!!

Biology Teaching Tools said...

I just checked out your blog for the first time today, but I love your topics and experiments. Finding good, new resources and experiments to help kids learn about science is always a challenge. Thanks for the resources!

Jennifer said...

Thanks for stopping by!

Kimberly said...

I've been following you for a while now, but was browsing your posts looking for a project to keep us busy on a snow/ice day and knew this would be a hit!

Thanks for sharing this project, including the information link and data sheet link.

I posted our experience on my blog:
http://themuddyprincess.blogspot.com/2011/02/fingerprints.html

Thanks!
Kimberly @ The Muddy Princess