CSI for Kids: Forensic Fingerprint Activity

Welcome to our STEAM workshop on fingerprint science for elementary students! In this post, I will talk about the activities that were conducted during the workshop and the insights that were gained through them. If you want to learn how to create your own forensic fingerprint activity for elementary students, jump to the end of the blog post.

Fingerprints are unique to every individual and are one of the most reliable ways to identify someone. The aim of the workshop was to introduce students to the science behind fingerprints and help them understand the different types of fingerprints that exist.

We began the workshop with a brief introduction to fingerprints and explained how they are useful in forensic investigations. I then handed out graphite pencils, index cards, and tape to each student and asked them to take their own fingerprints. The students were excited to see their fingerprints on paper and began to compare them with their friends.

The next activity was to examine the different types of fingerprints that exist. I explained the three main types of fingerprints - arches, loops, and whorls, and provided examples of each. The students were then asked to examine their own fingerprints using magnifying glasses and identify which type of fingerprint they had.

We then discussed the percentage of each type of fingerprint in the population. Arches are the least common, accounting for only 5% of all fingerprints. Loops are the most common, accounting for 60-65% of all fingerprints. Whorls make up the remaining 30-35%.

The students were fascinated by the different types of fingerprints and the percentages of each type. We then moved on to talk about where fingerprints can be found. I explained that fingerprints can be found on almost any surface and that they can be used to identify the person who left them behind.

The final activity of the workshop was to learn how to lift fingerprints using cornstarch. We explained that when someone touches a surface, they leave behind oils and sweat from their fingers. By dusting the surface with cornstarch and then gently brushing it away, the oils and sweat from the fingerprints will be left behind and can be used to identify the person who touched the surface.

Overall, the students had a great time learning about fingerprint science. They were engaged in the hands-on activities and were excited to learn more about how fingerprints can be used to identify people. We hope that the knowledge gained from this workshop will inspire students to further explore the field of forensic science and understand the valuable insights it can provide.

How to Create Your Own Forensic Fingerprint Activity at Home

Step 1: Explain the Science of Fingerprinting

Begin by explaining to your students what a fingerprint is and how it is used to identify people. You can use pictures or videos to illustrate the concept of fingerprinting and show how forensic scientists use fingerprints to solve crimes. It's essential to make the explanation clear and engaging to capture the students' attention.

Step 2: Gather the Materials

Next, gather the necessary materials. You will need pencils, index cards, and clear tape. You can also provide magnifying glasses or microscopes to help the students examine their fingerprints.

Step 3: Ink the Fingers

Ink the fingers of your students lightly. You can use a washable ink pad, but you can also use graphite pencil lead. Instruct your students to rub their fingers gently over the graphite pencil lead until they have a thin layer of graphite on their fingers. The graphite will act as ink and will make the fingerprint more visible.

Step 4: Press your Fingers on the Index Card

Once the fingers are inked, instruct your students to press their fingers onto the index card. Ask them to press each finger down firmly to create a clear and detailed print. Make sure to emphasize that each finger must be printed separately.

Step 5: Secure the Prints

After the students have created their prints, place a piece of clear tape over each print to secure it. Make sure that the tape is pressed firmly onto the paper to prevent any smudging or damage to the print.

Step 6: Analyze the Prints

Once the prints are secured, use magnifying glasses or microscopes to analyze them. Ask your students to look for patterns, such as loops, whorls, and arches, and compare their prints to those of their classmates. Discuss how each person's fingerprints are unique and how forensic scientists use these prints to identify individuals.

Step 7: Clean Up

Finally, clean up the ink or graphite residue from the students' fingers and dispose of any waste materials properly.

Conclusion

Forensic fingerprinting is an engaging and exciting activity that can teach elementary students about the science of fingerprinting. By using pencils, index cards, and tape, you can easily create a fun and educational lesson plan that will spark your students' curiosity about forensic science. Remember to emphasize the importance of accuracy and attention to detail to ensure that your students get the most out of this activity.