About the Course
Evidence can place suspects at a crime scene, identify missing persons, and exonerate the innocent. In this three-week mini course, we’ll focus on a particular type of evidence—fingerprints. We’ll begin with an overview of the history of fingerprinting by studying patent, latent, and plastic fingerprints, and learning how forensic scientists identify and use them. We’ll learn about and identify fingerprint characteristics, classify our own prints, and dust and lift latent prints from surfaces at home. Then we’ll apply what we’ve learned to a crime scene scenario. Can you catch the criminal?
The content in Catching the Criminal: Fingerprints overlaps with the CTY course Catching the Criminal. Students who have already taken Catching the Criminal may wish to consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling in this course.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the three types of fingerprints and make or collect examples of each
- Compare fingerprints and determine their arch, loop, and whorl characteristics
- Solve a crime scene scenario through fingerprint analysis
- Explain how fingerprints provide forensic evidence
About Mini courses
Taught over 1-3 sessions, these short survey courses are designed to give students the opportunity to sample a topic, engage with a community of advanced learners, and take a course that suits their busy schedule.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
Online
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 3 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: August 11, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 3 sessions over 3 weeks.
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Days: Every Wed for 3 weeks
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Register by: September 15, 2026
Time Commitment:
Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].
Families will be notified by email of any required materials one week prior to the course start date.
Time commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours per week (1.5 hours of class time, 1-2 hours of independent work). Course will include 3 sessions over 3 weeks.
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid