What type of fingerprint do you have?

What type of fingerprint do you have?

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about classifying fingerprints.
Here are drawings of the three main types of fingerprints.
 
Arch Loop Whorl

This diagram shows some features of fingerprints.

a)

What type of fingerprint is this? ____________________________________
 
b)
Find an example of each of the six features of fingerprints in the fingerprint above.
Draw a circle around each feature and label it on the above diagram.
 
 
 
c)
  1. Make your own fingerprint in box A (you will need to practice first).
  2. Make sure you do not have too much ink on your finger.
  3. Get three other people to make their prints in boxes B, C, and D.
  4. Write their names in the spaces below.
 
Name:__________
Name:__________
Name:__________
Name:__________
 
Type:_____________
 
 
Type:_____________
 
 
Type:_____________
 
 
Type:_____________
 
d)
In the space under each box write the type of fingerprint shown.
 
e)
Choose two prints that are the same type. Box: ______ and Box: ______ .
 
Describe one difference between these two fingerprints:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper.
Equipment
Stamp pad; magnifying glass.

You probably will need to show students how to make "good" fingerprints, e.g., not too much ink, don't press too hard, roll finger to get best print.

Copyright: 
Diagrams adapted from Learning Media,
Choices: Scene of the Crime, 1995.
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Living World
Keywords: 
evolution, variation, fingerprints, pattern seeking
Description of task: 
Students are provided with drawings of the main types of fingerprints. Students then make their own fingerprint and those of three other students. They then classify and describe the differences between these prints.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss methods of gathering evidence.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss using a variety of scientific representations to collect data.
 
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data, Interpret representations
Making Better Sense: 
Human
Answers/responses: 
a) loop
b) Correctly identifies and labels all 6 features.
d) Correctly identifies all 4 prints.
e) For any clearly identified difference, e.g.,

  • Different direction of arch or loop.
  • Different shaped arch or loop.
  • Different fork, spur, lake, bridge, ending ridge, or independent ridge.