======Collect and Observe Fingerprints======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
\\
**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
\\


**Alternative titles:** Unique as Your Fingerprint
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Draw a 2.5 cm (1 inch) square on a sheet of paper and shade it in heavily with a pencil until it is very dark.  
  - Roll your finger across the shaded square from tip to first knuckle to coat it with graphite.  
  - Press a piece of clear tape gently onto your finger without smudging the print.  
  - Peel off the tape and place it sticky side down on the paper.  
  - Observe the ridges and patterns that make up your fingerprint.



====Links==== 
Unique As Your Fingerprint at Home STEM Experiment - MilliporeSigma: 
{{youtube>svKObTkxwN0?}}\\

📄 Unveiling the Unique: A fingerprint experiment to look at the intricate patterns of identity - Small Step for STEM: [[https://www.smallstepforstem.com/unveiling-the-unique-fingerprints/]]\\


====Variations====
  * Compare fingerprints between classmates and note differences in patterns (loops, whorls, arches).  
  * Try different fingers from the same hand to see if they all have the same type of print.  
  * Collect fingerprints on index cards and challenge students to match them as a detective exercise.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Avoid pressing too hard with the pencil to prevent breaking it or tearing the paper.  
  * Wash hands after the activity to remove graphite.  
  * Keep tape away from hair and clothing to avoid tangling or damage.
  * Destroy fingerprints after the activity to protect privacy.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why are fingerprints unique? (They form through complex genetic and developmental factors that make each person’s ridges different.)  
  * Do fingerprints ever change? (No—if skin is cut or scraped, the same pattern grows back after healing.)  
  * How are fingerprints used in real life? (Forensics, personal identification, biometric security systems.)  
  * Why might some fingerprints appear clearer than others in this activity? (Differences in graphite coverage, finger pressure, or tape placement.)