Everyone loves a good mystery! In this life science activity, students will learn about the unique pattern their fingerprint leaves behind and how to identify it.

Materials:

  • Small sheets of paper
  • Pen
  • Magnifying glasses
  • Ink pad

Instructions:

  1. Before starting the activity, discuss how DNA fingerprinting is used in criminal investigations.
  2. Have students press a finger firmly on the ink pad and place a fingerprint on a small sheet of paper.
  3. Be sure to write students’ names on the back of their print.
  4. Once dry, mix up the prints.
  5. Challenge students to use the magnifying glasses to find their own print.

This activity was repurposed from Summer Sizzlers & Magic Mondays: School-Age Theme Activities