The Badge Archive

• Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Daisy Cybersecurity Safeguards badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Brownie Cybersecurity Safeguards badge requirements.

Info Needed for badge requirements: Everyone is unique because of their talents, interests, and physical traits. For example, fingerprints are one of a kind, just like the way people smile, the things they love to do, or how they see the world.

Items Needed

• Ink pad
• VTK Brownie Fingerprint Record Sheet by GSUSA (one for each scout)
• Pens or pencils
• Wipes or access to a sink for cleaning hands
• (Optional) Magnifying glasses (enough for each team)
• VTK Brownie Fingerprint Types by GSUSA (one for each scout)
• Sticky notes

Instructions

1. Creating Fingerprint Sheets
   • Give each scout a Fingerprint Record Sheet.
   • Have scouts write their names on the back of their sheets.
   • One at a time, scouts gently press a finger onto the ink pad, then roll it slowly in one of the boxes on their sheet. Repeat for each finger until all boxes are filled.
   • Once finished, set the sheets aside to dry. Scouts can use wipes or wash their hands to clean the ink off.
2. Analyzing Fingerprints
   • Once the fingerprints are dry, break the scouts into three teams.
   • Give each team a Fingerprint Types handout, a set of fingerprint sheets, and (Optional) magnifying glasses.
   • Have the teams examine the fingerprints on the sheets, comparing them to the shapes on the handout (whorl, loop, and arch).
3. Organizing by Fingerprint Type
   • Teams sort the fingerprints into piles by type (whorls, loops, or arches).
   • Use sticky notes to label each pile.
4. Discussion
   • Scouts observe which type is most common and discuss whether any fingerprints are alike.
   • Guide a conversation about how fingerprints are unique and how they’re used for identification (e.g., unlocking devices, passports, or law enforcement).
   • Introduce the idea of identity online, explaining how personal information like names, birthdays, and photos make up someone’s identity.
5. Critical Thinking
   • Discuss why fingerprints are more secure than passwords and brainstorm other places fingerprint identification might be useful (e.g., starting a car, accessing a bank, or boarding a plane).