Make Forensics Fun!

Forensic science solves crimes by applying disciplines of science such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering to analyze evidence! Bad guys may not think they have left incriminating evidence behind, but forensic science helps to make sure that justice is served!

Biometric technology is a sector of the forensic sciences and is used to identify a person based on some aspect of their individual biology. Facial recognition software, D.N.A. profiling, iris scanning, and fingerprinting are all examples of biometric technology! Fingerprint analysis is one of the original biometric technologies and is used around the world in criminal investigations!

Fingerprint analysis has been used to identify suspects and solve crimes for more than 100 years, making it a valuable tool for law enforcement. Each time we open a door, drink out of a glass, or type on a keyboard, we are leaving our unique fingerprints! While identical twins share the same D.N.A, but they have unique fingerprints! Each person’s fingerprints are completely unique to them, and no one has the same fingerprints as you do!

Forensic scientists can find your unique fingerprint on almost any solid surface you may touch, including the human body. Fingerprints are formed when your body’s natural oils and sweat are deposited onto another surface, but they can also be left when fingers coated in paint or ink touch another surface. Fingerprints may be collected by taking a photograph, dusting with a fingerprint powder, or even using special laser or LED lights to detect the latent print!

Fingerprints have a general flow in which the ridges of the fingerprint form, following into 3 pattern types: a whorl, loop, or arch. While you may inherit the general pattern from your parents, as well as a similar size, shape, and spacing of the ridges, your fingerprints are completely unique to you!

Want to become a forensic scientist? Fingerprint yourself today! Access the fingerprint experiment at:

https://sciencemadefun.net/downloads/fingerprinting.pdf