One, if not the most, of the most crucial materials for a fingerprint project is ink. At its most basic, every fingerprinting activity necessitates an actual fingerprint. The most commonly used medium for many science activities of this nature is an ink pad. A black or dark/navy blue pad will help the print show up well against a light colored paper. A small, roughly three by six inch ink or stamper pad typically contains a foam pad that comes presoaked with a colored ink. Some companies make a gel type pad as well. Either will work equally as well for a student science project. Parents and teachers can purchase ink pads in arts and crafts, office or school supply stores or online from similar types of retailers.
To make an impression of your finger tip, you will need a light colored paper. White paper will work the best to give a superior contrast for a bright or dark colored ink. Before selecting a paper, keep in mind that ink tends to bleed through thin surfaces. A printer or copier paper may leave behind a mess on a table or other work surface. Instead, opt for a matte card stock or even thicker construction paper. If you must use a thinner weight paper, try taping it to a similarly sized piece of cardboard cut from the side of a reused box.
One key element of a science project on fingerprints is investigation. The students must critically observe the fingerprint to better understand the concepts at hand such as same/different, patterns or genetic variances. Scientific tools such as a magnifying glass or even a microscope can help in this process. Both of these tools allow the students to carefully look at a larger version of the fingerprint, identifying minute lines and details.
Safety should come first when trying any science project with students. Although it is of particular importance when working with younger children, older students still need to be kept safe as well. Choose a non-toxic ink that is age graded for the specific child. always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Properly clean off ink from the student's fingers in a thorough manner after the project is over. If you are unable to find an ink that is clearly safe and non-toxic, substitute this material with a child-friendly tempera or finger paint. A paint medium may not provide the same level of clarity as ink, but will give a similar effect without sacrificing safety.