• No two human eyes are exactly alike, making the retina an ideal biometric indicator.Dougal Waters/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Biometrics is a rich and diverse topic of study, allowing students to research aspects of biology and computer science. The fact that biometrics is such a varied field means that students from virtually any academic level can access some portion of the topic, whether it is something as simple as installing a biometric door lock for a shop class project or something as complex as programming a biometric software program. Giving students the freedom to choose from a variety of projects allows students to focus on aspects at which they excel and can be helpful for boosting self-esteem.
  
  

Biometric Hands-On Project

• For a hands-on project relating to biometrics, all you need is a fingerprint reading door lock, which can be easily obtained at many large hardware stores. Students do not even have to build a full-size door--a simple small-scale model will do just as well to demonstrate their skills. The woodworking component of the project would require students to build the door analog with a working hinge, which will also mean building a square frame around that mock door as well. Once the lock assemblies are installed, all that remains is to follow the lock's instructions to program it to read the student's finger, thus completing the project. Easily accessed projects like these give tactile learners windows into more high-caliber technical pursuits than they may have previously had access to.
  
  

Biometric Theoretical Projects

• Theoretical presentations make for great middle-of-the-road projects for students who prefer essay and presentation-style learning. Assign these projects to students who excel at learning by explaining processes to others, allowing chatty students to be in a productive line of work and encouraging their communication rather than scolding them for it. Some examples of theoretical projects include an explanation of how fingerprints are mapped using coordinate grids and markers, as well as more complex projects such as explaining how retinal scans work and are compared. Be flexible to students and allow them to present their project in the style of their choice, ranging from a video presentation to simply reading an essay.
  
  

Biometric Software Projects

• Biometric software projects are best reserved for older and more academically advanced students and can range in complexity from a simple cataloging of pictures of their classmates eyes for comparison to complex projects such as facial recognition. While this is a great option for the more advanced students, be careful not to allow students to get in over their heads, as the complexity of these projects can prove difficult even to adult professionals. If students do wish to undertake the most advanced levels of projects, encourage them to focus on simple subtasks as opposed to building a complex, fully functional program. For example, it would be far easier to make a software program that says "yes, the fingerprint belongs to the student," or "no, it does not" than it would be to build a complex database for comparison in addition to programming the basic recognition interface. These kinds of projects are also best attended by students with an existing background in computer programming and computer science.