Hi,
This is a really interesting project! . I think you are doing this project:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure
To get started on this project, please refer to the background information in this project. The material is excellent and you should also be able to find additional information on the topic. Read as much as you can about fingerprints so you will become an expert on the topic.
To get started, look at your fingertips and those of your family. Can you see the different patterns? Most people will have a loop or whorl pattern; you may have to look a while to find someone with an arch pattern. For this project, you need to classify just the basic patterns.
I have some experience with this project and I can confirm that you will learn a lot. However, there are a couple of challenges that you should be aware of, so here is some advice to avoid any problems.
1. It is really difficult to make clear fingerprints. Do a pilot study with two or three family members or close friends and make sure you can make fingerprints that are clear. Don't test all your subjects and then go back and try to read the results.
2. You should practice reading the fingerprint patterns so you can classify the prints into the correct category. When you take fingerprints, have an assistant and yourself look at the print immediately and classify the print type and record the results. This will ensure you will have usable data if the fingerprints fade with time.
3. And finally, start recruiting as many friends and family members as possible so you will have enough data to make your data significant. Even though it only takes a few minutes to sign the consent form and take the prints, it will be challenging to get enough volunteers to help you. So start on this as soon as you can.
Please let us know if you have more questions.
Donna Hardy