Science of Curiosity

Introduction to Fingerprints: Bertillon System Activity

The perfect introduction to fingerprints activity! Your students will have a great time experiencing the Bertillon System and learn why it didn’t work – a perfect bridge to the importance of Forensic Fingerprinting.

$1.50

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Description

The perfect introduction to fingerprints activity! Your students will have a great time experiencing the Bertillon System and learn why it didn’t work – a perfect bridge to the importance of Forensic Fingerprinting.

For the Intro to Fingerprints Activity, your students will…

  • Learn the history and uses for the Bertillon System
  • Work in pairs to make their own Bertillon Measurement Card with eight physical measurements (head circumference, length of little finger, height, etc)
  • Draw a ‘mug shot’ of their partner (my favorite part! They get so creative)
  • Reflect on and discuss the flaws of the Bertillon System
  • Learn the case of Will and William West
  • Come to the conclusion that Fingerprints are the preferred way to identify a person!

Resource includes:

  • Introduction Google Slide: 9 slides that teach the history and use of the Bertillon System, give instructions on the activity, see student examples of Bertillon Cards, and lead discussion after the activity
  • Printable Bertillon Card, Discussion questions and Measurement Instructions: provide to students as they work in class
  • Digital Bertillon Card, Discussion questions and Measurement Instructions: designed for students who are distance learning, or use in class to save paper!
  • Google Form: To help organize students into pairs of most similar height, so students can see if their other Bertillon measurements were similar or not
  • Full Teaching Guide: with tips for doing the activity in class, and ideas to overcome obstacles for students working from home

NO PREP! 

Click to see a preview of the Intro to Fingerprints Activity.

Five Stars!

Here are what some Happy Teachers have to say about this Intro to Fingerprints Activity in our Teachers Pay Teachers store:

I’ve always wanted to incorporate some activities when we talk about the Bertillion system as part of our fingerprint unit. I used this for my in-person students and they loved it! Thank you!           – Michele R.           April 30, 2021

Great resource for a forensics class. The students really got into creating their sketches.              – Erica S.         March 2, 2022

This was a fun activity before we started our fingerprint unit!         – Jayme B.         February 28, 2022

 

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