BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM TO PROMOTE STEM EDUCATION FOR THE K-12 ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative inquiry
based mathematics and science K-12 program using
biometric technology. The purpose of the lesson was to use
research experiences with fingerprint recognition to create a
series of activities that allowed students to explore how
computers, algorithms, and fingerprint sensors are used to
identify people. The underlying goals of the activities were
to show how science and math are symbiotic, expose K-12
students to new technologies they would not typically have
access to, and discuss STEM careers relating to computers,
biometrics, and forensic science. The paper discusses the
background of the GK-12 program at Purdue University, the
preparation needed to prepare researchers to integrate their
research in the classroom, and the activities performed in
the K-12 environment. These activities, which included used
the mathematical topics of Cartesian coordinates and
Pythagorean Theorem to illustrate how biometric
technologies, primarily fingerprint recognition, work. Lastly,
results of the program are discussed.

Index Terms ⎯ biometrics, education, inquiry, outreach,
K-12, STEM.