Human fingerprint patterns are the result of layers of skin growing at different paces, thus causing the layers to pull on each other forming ridges. Here, groups of learners see how patterns and fingerprints assist scientists in a number of ways. Pupils analyze patterns of numbers, human fingerprints, and spectral fingerprints and learn how each scientists use this to help identify elements which make up stars.

Concepts

stars, fingerprints, number patterns, spectroscopy

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Additional Tags

Engineering, Chemistry, fingerprints, forensic science, spectral fingerprints, science

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Instructional Ideas

• If possible, find spectroscope tubes for different gases and allow learners to view through diffraction glasses to see spectra on their own
• Tie spectral fingerprints to stars and discuss how these helped scientists determine which gases made up stars

Classroom Considerations

• In the summary, it says learners will look at patterns in snowflakes, but there is nothing about snowflakes in the procedure
• Part 21 in a series of 22 resources

Pros

• Includes answer keys and images that you can make into overheads to project
• Engaging for pupils because of time limits during parts of activity (classes love a competition) and because recognizing patterns feels more like a game

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3