Fingerprints

Source Institutions

WGBH

Fingerprints

In this activity, learners examine their fingerprints and learn that they can be categorized by shape, but each fingerprint is unique. Learners collect their fingerprints using pencil and tape and then chart their findings.

Preparation Time:: Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: 1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:: Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:: Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:: English, Spanish

Materials List (per student)

pencil
paper
clear tape
at least one friend
magnifying lens (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

Life Sciences
- Heredity and Genetics
  - Human Genetics
- Human Body
  - Muscles and Skin
Mathematics
- Data Analysis and Probability
  - Data Analysis
  - Data Collection
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Conducting Investigations
  - Gathering Data

Informal Categories

Crime Science

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
read
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Web version

This resource is part of:

Zoom Activities Pages

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

WGBH Boston

Rights:

All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2005

Funding Sources:

National Science Foundation, 0337323
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Weezie Foundation
PBS