How Are Fingerprints Identified?

Abstract

This activity is intended for use in a high school Forensic Science course. Students are not expected to have any prior knowledge of fingerprint patterns before beginning the activity. By identifying key structures in fingerprints (cores, deltas, and bullseyes) and noting the number of times they appear in each pattern, they develop an algorithm for identifying loop, whorl, arch, and double loop fingerprint patterns. 

Level:  High school

Setting:  Classroom

Activity:   Learning Cycle

Discipline:  Forensic Science

Course:  Forensic Science

Keywords:  fingerprint, pattern, algorithm