Inquiry and Information Fluency Mini Lessons and Curated Resources
Christy Gray
FRIT 7234
Fingerprint Analysis Mini-Lesson
Driving Question: What are the Fundamental Characteristics of Fingerprints and how are they used to identify suspects in crime scenes?
In this lesson you will learn about how a fingerprint is analyzed by it's pattern and used to identify a suspect in a crime. You will be able to use your knowledge of fingerprint analysis to determine the culprit in a crimescene in the lab setting.
Watch the video below for an introduction to fingerprints, why we leave fingerprints on surfaces and how investigators use different technologies to retrieve fingerprint evidence.
Engage
Explore
Proton, the lab cat, has been taken from the lab! You have discovered a mess in the lab and the missing cat. It is your job to look for clues and analyze the fingerprints that were left to determine who has Proton. Hopefully it will not be too late!
During this activity, you are to use the provided information about the shapes and patterns of fingerprints to determine who stole Proton, the lab cat. Fingerprints are created by the ridges or raised skin of the palms of our hands or the soles of our feet. Fingerprints can be found on hard surfaces when our sweat secretions are left on hard surfaces, in soft substances when the ridges leave impressions or on surfaces that are irregular, but sweat adheres to the surface and leaves an invisible fingerprint. While you play this game, be sure to sketch the basic fingerprint shapes, jot down all unfamiliar vocabulary and identify the tools used to investigate the crime and collect fingerprints.
Explain
During this section, you are to use an active note taking guide while you review the Fingerprint Analysis Guide from the National Forensic Science Technology Center. You may find the article by clicking on the link below:
A Simplified Guide to Fingerprint Analysis
Your acitve note guide is as follows. You will submit this graphic organizer to your e-portfolio or digital notebook.
Enhance/ Extend
Enhance: Imagine if a crime is committed and blood evidence is collected. One man is arrested, however he is an idential twin. The man arrested insists he did not commit the crime, his brother did. How do the police determine how to solve the case? The article below involoving twins in Gwinnett County, Georgia details a case with the above mentioned facts.
Rare Twin Murder Case Echoes Bizarre Fingerprint Origins
After reading the article below, post your response to the following questions:
1. Describe the DNA of both twins found in the blood evidence.
2. Describe the use of fingerprint evidence.
3. How did the police prove which twin committed the crime.
Extend: See below Evaluate for an at home lab to complete with your family.
Evaluate
Evaluate the following two articles that argue that fingerprint evidence is not 100% proof and does come with flaws as far as evidence is concerned.
Why Fingerprints Are't the Proof We Thought They Were
Forensic Tools: What's Reliable and What's Not So-Scientific
Your Assignment
Within the class padlet, post your thoughts to the statement:
Fingerprints Aren't Absolute Proof.
Post which side you weigh in on and why by double clicking on the screen of the padlet and writing your thoughts. You may upload a picture. Make sure your comments are thoughtful and appropriate for our classroom.
Side A
Why do you maintain the belief that fingerprints are 100% accurate in determining the perpetrator in a crime and should be allowed to convict criminals.
Side B
Why do you have doubts that fingerprints are 100% accurate in determining and convicting the perpetrator of a crime.
Enhance
AT HOME LAB:
Complete the following lab activity at home. Compete the formal writeup using the thought questions starters as well as the format of the lab. Using the discussion points, choose 2 and share your thoughts on the points presented. This is a free answer, however, adhere to all grammatical rules.
Lesson Resources:
AKS Standards- Forensic Science:
A - Characteristics of Science
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apply computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and following scientific investigations
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communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly
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demonstrate knowledge of scientific processes and inquiry methods
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use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating objects in scientific activities
B - Academic Knowledge and Skills
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apply knowledge of evidence to crime scene analysis
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describe the role of the forensic investigator at the crime scene and in the collection of evidence
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describe the use of computer databases in forensic investigations
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investigate forensic evidence of fingerprints, footprints and other impressions
ISTE Standards:
1. Creativity and Innovation
1D: Identify trends and forecast possibilities
2. Communication and Collaboration
2A: Interact, collaborate and publish with peers, experts or others employing a variety of digital environments and media.
2B: Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
2D: Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems.
3. Research and Information Fluency
3D: Process data and report results
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
4A: Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation
4C: Collect and analyze data to identify conclusions and or make informed decisions