For this project, you may need the help of an adult to find two or three sets of twins as volunteers. Once the volunteers are chosen, use an ink pad and record fingerprints from all subjects, placing them on a clearly labeled sheet of paper. Once the ink is dry, use a magnifying glass and compare the siblings' prints on specific fingers with one another. Note any texture differences or if fingerprints have the same designs or patterns. Record the results for your presentation.
Enlist either your immediate family or a chosen test family for this project. Using an ink pad, record all family members' fingerprints in a notebook or project binder. Study your findings either by comparing fingerprints with a magnifying glass or under a microscope. Focus on finding any similarities within the prints such as noticeable likeness of arches, whorls or loops.
Fingerprints can be broken down into three basic types: the arch, the loop and the whorl. Using 10 non-related test subjects, compare fingerprints and find which type of fingerprint is the most common among the group. Using an ink pad, take the right index print from all subjects and record it on a piece of paper. Study each print with a magnifying glass and record the results.
Primates like gorillas and koala bears also have fingerprints. Koala bears' fingerprints are the most similar to human fingerprints. Consider devising a multiple choice challenge for 10 different volunteers in which they are tested on fingerprint knowledge. Photocopy koala bear and gorilla fingerprints, which can be found online, and add a human fingerprint to the same page. Number each fingerprint and have subjects determine which one is which. Compare your findings and present them to the class.