Dactyloscopy Practice During Project Time

Dactyloscopy, or fingerprint identification, relies on the careful analysis of patterns seen in individual prints. Fingerprints are made of furrows, lines, and ridges  - and these make loops, whorls, and arches that generally follow a number of distinct patterns. Our young scientists honed careful observation and classification skills this afternoon as we learned one way to lift and transfer our prints. Hand lenses helped to really zero in on the intricate details.

We wondered what types of patterns we would see on our own fingers and on our friends'. We wondered if the same pattern would show up on all of our fingers. Time to start testing!

I told the students that no two people have identical fingerprints - not even identical twins. I had also shared that patterns sometimes run in families. It would be wonderful if you let your child take your fingerprints, and compare! 

(This is a simpler pattern identification sample than we used, but these are the three MOST basic patterns. If you want to do this at home, it should definitely suit your purposes.)