Skin and Hair Science Activities
This week on Science Saturday with MeetPenny.com and Apologia’s Human Anatomy and Physiology, we are studying skin and hair.
Studying Skin And Hair Under A Microscope
After studying the structure of skin and hair in our text, we looked at hair under the microscope. We could actually see the cuticle of the hair where it wasn’t lying flush with the rest of the cuticle layer. It was, also, interesting looking at the difference in colors of hair in our family. If you do this project, examine different colors of hair – natural and dyed. Very interesting.
The kids found another great use for the Discovery Scope. We looked at hair and skin. Through the scope, we could see a close-up view of our fingerprints, pores and hair.
Fingerprints
For a clearer view of the pattern of our fingerprints, we used stamp ink and paper. We compared each other’s prints. My son had a loop. My daughter had an arch. I had a swirl. It was so interesting to see how different our fingerprints are.
We hear all the time how no two prints are alike. The kids were wondering how different prints could be. I see a large fingerprinting project coming. If you see us with an ink pad and paper, you know what we are doing. Just let us use your fingers, please.
Extra Skin Study Resources
Forensic Science Study – uses the science of skin and hair
Expanding Fingerprints Activity
Fingerprint Patterns Video
Fingerprint Characteristics Video
A Simplified Guide To Fingerprint Analysis
Personal Touch: Fingerprint Activity
Skin Lesson from KidsHealth.org
Skin: Caring for the Largest Organ of the Body
Skin Science!- Make a Von Frey Device
Color Me Human: Biology & Genetics Activity
Hair Science Fair and Experiment Ideas for All Ages
Science Experiments With Shampoo & Conditioner
Hair Analysis- Forensics Science Activity
For more Science Saturday fun, check out MeetPenny.com. Don’t miss the entire Human Anatomy and Physiology series from The Homeschool Scientist