Ideas for a Fingerprinting Science Project
Gone are the days of having ink-covered hands as a result of obtaining a fingerprint impression. Modern advances have led to the ability of capturing fingerprints electronically with certain computer programs. For students wanting to focus on aspects of fingerprinting for a science project, different topics are available for selection.
Other People Are Reading
-
Inherited Fingerprint Patterns
-
One possibility for a project based on the science of fingerprinting is identifying if similarities exist between family members. When conducting the field study of finding different sets of fingerprints to examine and compare, the project begins at home. Begin by fingerprinting your family, including yourself. Five or so sets of fingerprints from your relatives and friends should be sufficient enough to set up a demonstration of inherited fingerprint patterns, if any exist.
Categorical Similarities and Differences
-
Another aspect of fingerprinting that can be examined in a science fair setting is whether or not similarities exist within a certain gender, race and age range. Also, to have the most accurate findings, look at the differences between these categories as well. One part of the final science project exhibit will take a look at the similarities between your chosen groups, while the other focuses on what is different between groups.
-
Alternatives to Ink
-
Though ink is the primary way in which fingerprints are taken, a fun science project idea is investigating which other household projects leave adequate impressions, as well. On sheets of blank paper, try and fingerprint yourself in items such as ketchup, mustard and food coloring. In addition to food items, try mixing in mud to show how well a fingerprint impression holds up in natural materials, as well.
Evolution of Fingerprinting
-
Though fingerprints have been found on artifacts from ancient cultures including those of the Egyptians and Greeks, forensic uses for fingerprints didn't begin until the 19th century. That leaves much room for discussing the progression of fingerprinting from its earliest forms until the present. What types of inks were used? What types of materials were used to capture fingerprints? All of these questions are answered in a science project about the evolution of fingerprinting.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
