To spread the joy of science, GSK Science in the SummerTM is sharing an experiment from its Genetics curriculum – an experiment that you can do in your very own home! Please note: for optimum safety, an adult should be present during all experiments, and children should wear safety glasses when conducting experiments at home and schools.
Experiment on Fingerprint Comparisons
Everyone has a fingerprint, but just as no two people have the same DNA pattern, no two fingerprints are alike. This experiment will allow young scientists to see their own fingerprints and compare them to those of family and/or friends.
Materials: No. 2 pencilsIndex cards
Clear tapeMagnifying glass (optional)
Instructions:Rub the side of the pencil tip on the index card, making a dark patch.
The young scientist should press his or her finger gently into the graphite mark on the paper. Remove the finger – it should be covered in graphite.
Cut off a 3-inch piece of clear tape; press the middle of the tape (on the sticky side) to the graphite-coated finger.
Peel the finger off the tape – the graphite should have transferred a fingerprint to the tape.
Place the tape (sticky side down) onto a clean index card – you should be able to see the fingerprint clearly.
Repeat the above steps for each new fingerprint, and compare the differences. Use a magnifying glass to see if you can identify unique ridge patterns in each print.
For more information on GSK Science in the Summer classes, visit www.scienceinthesummer.com.
