20. ASSIGNMENT: Are Fingerprints Inherited? (Due May 25)

ASSIGNMENT: Are Fingerprints Inherited?

(10 points)

In this assignment you'll make observations about fingerprints of 5 family members and write a paragraph about your experience and results. See experiment procedure and directions below: 

Problem:

Fingerprints are unique to everyone. There are some subtle differences that make everyone's fingerprints unique to them. In this experiment, we will see if the basic shape is heritable among family members. There are three basic shapes/patterns: Loop, Whorl, and Arch. You will see if your family members have the same pattern or not. 

Question: Do family members have the same fingerprint pattern?

Materials:

• At least 5 family members who are willing to participate in your study
• Black ink pad
• White printer paper
• Moist towelettes
• Magnifying glass
• Pen/paper for notes

Procedure:

1. Have each person wipe their right index finger with a towelette to remove the oils.
2. Roll the right index finger side to side on the inkpad.
3. Press the finger from side to side on a piece of white paper.
4. Clean the test subject's finger with another towelette.
5. Label whose fingerprint this belongs to so you will know.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the rest of the family members.
7. Compare the fingerprints with the magnifying glass, to see have they share one of the three basic shapes: Loop, Whorl, and Arch.

Paragraph: 

1. In the add submission box write the answers to the following questions.

• Did most of the fingerprints fall in to the same pattern? Yes or no and which pattern(s) did your family have?  
• What did you learn from this experiment? 
• Would you recommend this as an experiment for next year's students? 

2. Click SHARE (upper right hand corner)

3. Click CHANGE (next to 'People at Mountain Heights Academy with the link can View')

4. Change access to allow anyone at MHA to edit (button/menu near bottom of window) and then click SAVE (this allows your instructor to write comments on your assignment). 

5. Copy the LINK to the document (the top field of the SHARING SETTINGS window).

6. To submit the assignment, click ADD SUBMISSION (in Moodle) and paste the document link.

7. Click the 'Save changes' button to submit