Fun With Fingerprint Science: Discovering Your Own Fingerprints

Completed by 6 learners

Ages 10-14

Live One-Time Class

This one-time class kids will learn the basic science behind fingerprint identification. Kids will learn how to print their own fingerprints and examine the unique detail within various fingerprint patterns.

Teacher Ray

Live video meetings

Meets once

2-6 learners per class

50 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

50 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

From a practical stand point I will teach kids the basics of fingerprint identification. Kids will learn the reason why fingerprint science and fingerprint identification works. I will define the term "Friction Skin" and where we find friction skin on our bodies. I will cover the two core principles that make fingerprint identification possible. I will explain the three basic fingerprint patterns and the unique characteristics of ridges commonly found in fingerprints (friction skin). I will go over the anatomy of the FBI fingerprint card which will be pertinent to their homework. On three different occasions I will break away from the lesson to quiz learners on the topics that I just covered. In doing so, I hope to interact with the learners so they may stay engaged and interested in the lesson. Towards the end of the class I will play a short 4 min. video that explains how they will print their own fingerprints. I will show them what unique characteristics to look for by using my own fingerprint as an example. Included in this class are documents that assist learners as they discover their own fingerprints such as a common but unique characteristics of a fingerprint pattern This will be helpful when they are examining their own fingerprints as part of their homework. Another includes step by step instructions to supplement the video on how to print your own fingerprints. The last one is a vocabulary sheet with terms that are commonly used among Fingerprint Identification Experts. I will touch on each of these terms and their definition throughout my presentation.

Learning Goals

Learners will learn the two basic principles of fingerprint identification, the three basic fingerprint patterns and the structure of the FBI fingerprint card. Learners will, also, be able to name the unique characteristics of ridge structure that appear in friction skin. Finally, learners will know how to record their own fingerprints and search for the unique characteristics within their own friction skin ridges.

Other Details

Supply List

No supplies will be needed during class, only for the homework assignment.

Learners will need the following items to complete their homework: 
1) 2 sheets of blank paper
2) Preferably a 2B pencil
3) Scotch Tape
4) Magnifying glass
5) Hand Sanitizer (to clean fingers of the pencil led in between placing fingers on the paper)

Submitting homework is optional. I will provide feedback within 24 hours.

3 files available upon enrollment

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Youtube Video: Step by Step on Fingerprinting Yourself

Sources

I have provided three documents to help learners through the class. 1) Vocabulary Sheet 2) Step by Step instructions on how to record their own fingerprints on a white sheet of paper 3) a sheet explaining the common unique ridge structures (characteristics) found in friction skin. In addition, I created a short video on how to record one's own fingerprints on to a sheet of paper simulating the FBI Fingerprint Card.

Meet the teacher

Teacher Ray

Joined January, 2021

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Hello Everyone! I am experienced in the field of Fingerprint Science and ready to share my knowledge to young people. I analyzed fingerprints and was a Forensic Specialist for over 14 years. I am introducing my "Fun with Fingerprint Science" class to get young peopled actively involved with forensics and fingerprint science. I explain how and why Fingerprints (friction skin) are important for identification. My philosophy involves interacting with young people to encourage them to engage through comments and questions. I believe the best way to learn is through actively going through the motions. I provide a short video on how to record one's own fingerprints. My presentation includes short quizzes of topics that are covered in my presentation to keep learners engaged. I am looking forward to growing my classes on various topics related to fingerprints and forensics in general. I even use my own fingerprints as examples to provide detailed information in my lessons. I am looking forward to inspiring young people in the field of forensics. Forensics and Fingerprints have been my passion for a long time. I hope my passion transcends and inspires young people to pursue a career in the field of forensics.