Today’s media is packed with crime dramas depicting forensic scientists examining evidence collected at crime scenes. To give children an experience with collecting and analyzing evidence, the Discovery Center developed the Fingerprint Detectives activity, where children learn how to collect their own fingerprints, use tools (i.e. magnifying glass or microscope) and examine their own fingerprints as well as the fingerprints of others.
Using a forensic fingerprint guide, children compare the shapes and patterns found in their fingerprints to common fingerprint patterns. Children are encouraged to use the scientific method to learn more about their fingerprints. They can make a hypothesis (“Are all of my fingerprints the same or different?”) and test it out in a controlled experiment. Children and their families can do multiple experiments and examine the unique properties that fingerprints have!