1	The Fingerprint Factor Fingerprint identification is a method of identifying individuals using the impressions made by the tiny ridge formations found on the fingertips. No two people have exactly the same arrangement of ridge patterns, and the patterns of each individual remain unchanged throughout life. Other personal characteristics may change, but fingerprints do not. This makes fingerprints a very reliable means of personal identification. Fingerprints have been used for identification purposes for thousands of years. Members of the law enforcement community began using fingerprint evidence to identify criminal suspects over a hundred years ago. Since then, developments in the tools and methods of collecting and analyzing fingerprint evidence have had a significant impact on how criminals are identified and prosecuted. In this lesson, you will explore “the fingerprint factor” to answer the essential question:
2	2. Information Sources You will use the online sources below to gather information about a topic in the history of fingerprints and fingerprint identification. Sources include selections from the Student Resource Center online database and the Science e-book World of Forensic Science. Home access only through the BCPS Databases gateway with required logins, available on a handout from your school library media specialist. Go to Slide 3 to select a research topic and get directions and handouts for the Student Activity.
3	3. Student Activity Select one research topic from the list below. Gather information about this topic from the sources on Slide 2. Use this Cornell Notes 5W’s organizer to record your research notes; remember to cite your sources on the organizer. Use this Microsoft Publisher template to create your timeline panel; directions are included on the template. For an example, see this model timeline panel for the topic First Users of Fingerprints, which will be the first panel in your class timeline. Save or print out your completed timeline panel according to your teacher’s directions. All timeline panels should then be sequenced chronologically to create a class Fingerprint Factor Timeline. Note to teacher: Class timeline may be created in digital format by combining all timeline panels into one MS Publisher or PDF file; or, hard copies of all timeline panels may be printed out to create a class timeline wall display or packet.
4	4. Assessment Activity
5	5. Enrichment Activities Read more about the recent developments and controversies involving the “fingerprint factor”: Fingerprint matching techniques need reform FBI upgrade of fingerprint repository 10 prints are better than 2, Homeland Security says For the latest news on fingerprint technology, go to the Student Resource Center database, search on keyword fingerprints, and click on the News tab. Explore other developments in the history of criminalistics and forensics on this interactive timeline from the companion website for the TruTV show “Forensic Files”
6	6. Teacher Support Materials Curriculum Standards for Criminalistics (AIM): O-4 Students will analyze the identification and use of friction prints by the criminalist a a source of individuation. KSI- A1 Determine the individuals who have made significant contributions to the acceptance and development of fingerprint technology. Standards for the 21st Century Learner (AASL) Learners use Skills, Resources, and Tools to: 1: Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge 1.1.2 Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning 1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format 2: Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge National Educational Technology Standards for Students (ISTE) 1. Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. 3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.