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Detecting Fingerprints on Paper for Kids

The patterns of arches, whorls and loops combine to create fingerprints that, when seen under a magnifying glass, are used to identify people. A fingerprint is recorded by rolling the tip of a finger over an inkpad and rolling the inked finger onto a sheet of paper. A fingerprint is then lifted from glass and compared to a recorded image. Kids can play detective and identify prints left by friends and family.

Things You'll Need

  • Dark powder
  • Soft brush
  • Clear tape
  • Paper
  • Magnifying glass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dust a layer of fine, soft powder on top of the fingerprint. Use graphite powder or dark, dry makeup powder and a soft makeup brush. Gently brush the powder and completely cover the fingerprint. Use care and light pressure to avoid smudging the print.

    • 2

      Blow away the excess powder, being careful not to get saliva onto the print.

    • 3

      Press a piece of clear tape over the top of the powder. Avoid lifting the tape to reposition or shift it once in place.

    • 4

      Press carefully across the tape to pick up the fingerprint.

    • 5

      Lift one end of the tape and carefully peel it off the surface.

    • 6

      Hold the tape in one hand and gently apply to a piece of clean, flat paper. Slide the tape onto the paper by rubbing your finger once across the tape. The pattern of the fingerprint should be easy to see on the paper.

    • 7

      Place the sheet of paper with the transferred or “lifted” fingerprint next to the paper with the recorded fingerprint.

    • 8

      Use the magnifying glass to study and compare the location, size and number of loops and ridges to identify the owner of the fingerprint.

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