Research Plan Template

Name(s):
Research Plan (to Accompany Form 1A)
A) Rationale
Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your research problem and explain why this research is
important and if applicable, explain any societal impact of your research.
At the current moment, there is a lack of safe, reliable, and long-lasting ways to lift fingerprints from textiles. The
most commonly used method is Iodine Fuming, which requires special equipment and chemicals, and yields short-
lasting results that may not provide an entire print. By finding a more effective way to lift and preserve prints, forensic
detectives and lab technicians will be provided with another way to link crime cases to suspects.
B) Research Question(s), Hypothesis(es), Engineering Goal(s), Expected
Outcomes.
How is this based on the rationale described above?
Research Question(s): What is the most effective way to lift fingerprints from fabric without using harsh chemicals?
Hypothesis(es): The electrostatic flocking is iffy- it has a better chance of working on slick fabrics such as silk as
opposed to textured and porous fabrics like cotton. Talc powder probably has the best chance of working on prints
due to how fine the powder is, and how easily it sticks to and soaks up oils.
Engineering Goal(s): N/A - Research
Expected Outcomes: N/A - Research
Procedure(s)
Detail all procedures and experimental design including methods for data collection. Describe only your project. Do
not include work done by mentor or others.

1. Prepare fabric swatches

a. There should be six sets of each type of fabric- ex: for silk, there should be 22 total swatches,
six control, six for natural oil, six for jojoba oil. Each swatch should be labelled to show the
type of powder/method being used.
2. Perform the experiments
a. Arrowroot Powder/Rice Starch/Tapioca Starch 
i. Gather all fabric swatches- three of each kind of fabric. Label accordingly. 
ii. Begin the experiment by setting the control swatches to the side (wear gloves to avoid
the transfer of oils or dirt).
iii. Take one swatch from each fabric type. Without washing hands, press one finger into
the fabric, using a different finger for each swatch. Place to the side.
iv. Wash hands
v. Take one swatch from each fabric type. This set is to be used with jojoba oil. Put a thin
layer of the oil on a thumb, just enough to give a slight sheen. Press into fabric swatch.
vi. Repeat with the remaining fabric swatches.
vii. Gather all swatches together.
viii. Pour a small amount of arrowroot powder/rice/tapioca starch into a shallow container
or plate. 
ix. Use a fingerprint dusting brush to pick up some of the powder. 
x. Tap the brush on the side of the dish to remove any excess powder/starch. 
xi. Lightly dust the brush over each swatch, reapplying more powder/starch between each
piece of fabric. 
xii. The control swatches should be dusted on one side only.
xiii. Use a clean dusting brush to gently remove any powder that may be stuck to the fabric.
xiv. Take a small piece of clear tape/fingerprint lifting tape, and press into the fingerprint
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Name(s):
left behind.
a. If no print can be seen, press tape into the part of the fabric with the most
powder stuck to it.
xv. Place tape onto either white or black paper, depending on what color powder
was used.
xvi. Examine results and take notes.
b. Talc Powder
i. Gather all fabric swatches- three of each kind of fabric. Label accordingly. 
ii. Begin the experiment by setting the control swatches to the side (wear gloves to avoid
the transfer of oils or dirt).
iii. Put on a surgical mask. Talc powder may be dangerous if inhaled. 
iv. Take one swatch from each fabric type. Without washing hands, press one finger into
the fabric, using a different finger for each swatch. Place to the side.
v. Wash hands
vi. Take one swatch from each fabric type. This set is to be used with jojoba oil. Put a thin
layer of the oil on a thumb, just enough to give a slight sheen. Press into fabric swatch.
vii. Repeat with the remaining fabric swatches.
viii. Gather all swatches together.
ix. Talc powder is extremely fine, so it may be best to keep it in the original container as
opposed to pouring it into a dish.
x. Use a dusting brush to pick up a very small amount of talc powder, and tap the excess
off. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, even more than the other
powders/starches used in this experiment. 
xi. Lightly dust the brush over each swatch, reapplying more powder/starch between each
piece of fabric. 
xii. The control swatches should be dusted on one side only.
xiii. Use a clean dusting brush to gently remove any powder that may be stuck to the fabric.
xiv. Take a small piece of clear tape/fingerprint lifting tape, and press into the fingerprint
left behind.
a. If no print can be seen, press tape into the part of the fabric with the most powder stuck
to it.
xv. Place tape onto black paper. 
xvi. Examine results and take notes.
c. Electrostatic Flocking
i. Perform the experiment at Harrison High School under the fume hood to protect yourself from
harmful fumes and loose fibers. 
ii. Prepare fabric swatches, this time gathering four of each type of fabric. One will
remain the control swatch- set this to the side.
iii. Prepare an epoxy-based glue. This will be used to see if impression fingerprints on
fabric can be picked up.
iv. Brush a thin layer of glue over one swatch of each fabric, and press a finger into it,
using a different finger for each piece of fabric. 
a. Wash hands immediately after.
v. While still tacky, connect the pin/clip of the electrostatic flocking machine to a
piece of fabric. 
vi. Turn the machine on, making sure it's loaded with flocking fibers. 
vii. Flock until all glue is covered. 
viii. Repeat on all other swatches with glue. 
a. Let dry before collecting data.
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ix. Take one swatch from each fabric type. Without washing hands, press one
finger into the fabric, using a different finger for each swatch. Place to the side.
x. Wash hands
xi. Take one swatch from each fabric type. This set is to be used with jojoba oil. Put a thin
layer of the oil on a thumb, just enough to give a slight sheen. Press into fabric swatch.
xii. Repeat with the remaining fabric swatches.
xiii. Gather all swatches together.
xiv. By using the same technique as seen in steps v, and vi, attempt to flock the fabric
swatches with oil.
xv. If nothing adheres, make a note.
xvi. Repeat steps v and vi with the control swatches- nothing should adhere. 
xvii. Observe the results and take notes.
d. Take photos of each group of fabric, and come to a final conclusion. 

Data should be collected by taking note of the amount of powder that adhered to the fabric and not to the print, the clarity of the print, and
whether or not the print is visible.

Risk and Safety

Identify any potential risks and safety precautions needed.
Preform the electrostatic flocking under the fume hood at Harrison High School to protect from toxic chemicals and
loose flocking fibers. Wear gloves to protect skin.
Data Analysis
Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results.
1. Gather the swatches into groups, either of each fabric type, or the different method used.
2. First observe the amount of powder/flocking material stuck to the fabric and not to the print. Take note of
which fabrics and powders/methods seem to be the least reliable and messiest.
3. Next, observe the clarity of the prints. Some may not be visible at all- take note of these.
4. Try to see if any of the prints lift onto tape and remain visible when put on paper. Many may not.
IF Applicable
Below are subject-specific guidelines for additional items to be included in your
research plan/project summary as applicable.
Human participants research:
a. Participants: Describe age range, gender, racial/ethnic composition of participants. Identify vulnerable populations
(minors, pregnant women, prisoners, mentally disabled or economically disadvantaged).
b. Recruitment: Where will you find your participants? How will they be invited to participate?
c. Methods: What will participants be asked to do? Will you use any surveys, questionnaires or tests? What is the
frequency and length of time involved for each subject?
d. Risk Assessment: What are the risks or potential discomforts (physical, psychological, time involved, social, legal,
etc.) to participants? How will you minimize risks? List any benefits to society or participants.
e. Protection of Privacy: Will identifiable information (e.g., names, telephone numbers, birth dates, email addresses)
be collected? Will data be confidential/anonymous? If anonymous, describe how the data will be collected. If not
anonymous, what procedures are in place for safeguarding confidentiality? Where will data be stored? Who will have
access to the data? What will you do with the data after the study?
f. Informed Consent Process: Describe how you will inform participants about the purpose of the study, what they
will be asked to do, that their participation is voluntary and they have the right to stop at any time.
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Name(s):
Vertebrate animal research:
a. Discuss potential ALTERNATIVES to vertebrate animal use and present justification for use of vertebrates.
b. Explain potential impact or contribution of this research.
c. Detail all procedures to be used, including methods used to minimize potential discomfort, distress, pain and injury
to the animals and detailed chemical concentrations and drug dosages.
d. Detail animal numbers, species, strain, sex, age, source, etc., include justification of the numbers planned.
e. Describe housing and oversight of daily care
f. Discuss disposition of the animals at the termination of the study.
Potentially hazardous biological agents research:
a. Give source of the organism and describe BSL assessment process and BSL determination.
b. Detail safety precautions and discuss methods of disposal.

Hazardous chemicals, activities & devices:

• Describe Risk Assessment process, supervision, safety precautions and methods of disposal.