Whose Fingerprints Were Left Behind? Experiment Kit

Grades 6–12.

During criminal acts, individuals often leave their fingerprints on a variety of objects. These prints, referred to as latent prints, are not visible to the naked eye and require proper dusting and lifting off objects at the crime scene. Likewise, identifying microscopic amounts of blood can be facilitated by using fluorescence-based detection.

This experiment is a wonderful classroom whodunit activity and can serve as a preamble for DNA fingerprinting classroom experiments. Kit includes: brushes, magnifying lens, FBI fingerprint type cards, white backing cards, black dusting powder, gray dye dusting powder, and fingerprint lifters. Teacher will need to supply: alcohol, UV long wave light source (mineral light), safety goggles, and a towel or washcloth. Lab requires 50 minutes. For 10 groups of 2–3 students each, 20–30 students total. Includes a link to instructions and a teacher guide.