Authors :

G. Nagaraj*, V. Tangpu*, K. Shantha Lakshmi** and R. Geetha***

Author Address :

Zoology Section*, Chemistry Section**, DMS***, Regional Institute of Education, (NCERT), Manasagangothri, Mysore - 570 006, Karnataka, India. Email: gnriem@gmail.com

Abstract :

Innovative science experiments have the potential to build up passion in learning science, develop creativity, problem solving ability, psychomotor skills, and scientific attitude and train them in scientific method. In this context, the present paper is made with two objectives viz. 1. to design and propose an innovative experiment (for class IX-XII) on distribution of patterns of fingerprint among classmates (Part A) and 2. to find out the distribution of patterns of fingerprint of school teachers in relation to gender and blood group (Part B). A fingerprint is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger and is genotypically determined, unique and remains unchanged from birth till death. Fingerprints have three basic patterns viz. loops, whorls and arches, however, seven different patterns can be observed. Fingerprints are not only used for identification of person but also for other purposes.

In part A we designed and proposed an innovative and no-cost experiment for the students of class IX-XII to study the distribution of pattern of fingerprints among their classmates; and suggested many ideas for further extension of the study. In part B, we have studied the pattern of left thumbprint of school teachers (N=50; M=20 and F=30) from Atomic Energy Central School (AECS) and Demonstration Multipurpose School (DMS), Mysore. From the results of our model study, it may be concluded that, overall or gender based or blood group-wise comparison indicates loop is the dominant and mixed/ composite is the least pattern of thumbprint among teachers. There exists a gender based difference in pattern. Further, we sincerely believe and propose that, this study of fingerprint can be used as an innovative, effective and low-cost experiment at secondary and higher secondary (IX – XII) classes; and this view is acknowledged / accepted  by most of the teachers of ACES and DMS, Mysore.

Keywords :

Fingerprint, school teachers, blood group, creativity, problem solving ability, psychomotor and Mysore.