Fingerprints | Home Chemistry

Forensic Science | Definition

According to Google Definition, forensic means, 'scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime.'


5 Forensic Science topics;

1. DNA
2. Fingerprint
3. Crime
4. Footprints
5. Ballistics

Fingerprints

Fingerprint characteristics

Aim: To look at the different types of fingerprints.

Materials: 

1. Inkpad  
2. 2 white balloons

Steps:

1. Put your thumb on the ink pad and roll your thumb.
2. Put your thumb on the balloon.
3. Blow the balloon until you can see the fingerprint.
4. Next, put your index finger on 
5. What fingerprint do you have?

Insert two pictures here of your fingerprints

Ink prints

Thumbprint	Index fingerprint

Record the types of fingerprints from those in your group.

Name	Fingerprint 1 (Thumb)	Fingerprint 2 (index finger)
Khush	Loop	Loop
JV	Loop	Loop

Questions:

Do people always have the same type of fingerprint on their thumb and index finger?

Yes

What was the most common type of fingerprint in your group?
Loop

Dusting fingerprints:

Lifting fingerprints

Aim: To learn how to lift hidden fingerprints from an object.

1. Lifting and Gathering fingerprints.

Equipment:

1. Fine Brush 
2. White Powder
3. Plastic  
4. Black Cardboard
5. Sellotape

Method: 

1. Using with a fine brush, brush the white powder to the plastic.
2. Press your thumb and index finger to the plastic.
3. Put some sellotape and put it over the fingerprint.
4. Lift the tape. A copy of the fingerprint would be on the tape.
5. Put the tape on a small black cardboard. 

Results:

Lifted fingerprints

Thumbprint	Index fingerprint
Loop	Loop

Conclusion Questions:

What could you do to improve your results next time?

Nothing

Why do you think fingerprints are useful to crime scene investigators?

Fingerprints are useful for investigators to find the criminal easily.