A good Glo Germ science fair project compares two handwashing methods, such as a 5-second rinse and a 20-second soap and water wash. Put the same amount of Glo Germ gel on each volunteer's hands, wash with the assigned method, then score the glow left under a UV lamp from 0 to 5. Repeat the test several times, average the scores for each method, and graph the results. The project shows how well each method removes simulated germs. It does not measure real germs.
What is a Glo Germ science fair project?
Glo Germ is a lotion, gel or powder that acts like simulated germs. It is hard to see in normal light and glows under UV light, so you can check what a wash missed. That makes it a good tool for a fair test: volunteers cannot easily wash "to the glow", and you can score every result the same way.
A glitter germ experiment is a common version of this project. Glitter stays visible the whole time, so students can see it spreading and may wash differently once they notice it. Glo Germ stays hard to see until the UV check, so everyone sees the result at the same moment.
Pick one question to test
A science fair project tests one thing at a time. Choose a question, change only one variable, and keep everything else the same.
| Question | What you change | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Does washing for longer leave less glow? | Wash time: a 5-second rinse against a 20-second wash with soap | 4 to 8 |
| Does soap make a difference? | Water only against soap and water, for the same time | 4 to 8 |
| Does learning the technique help? | Wash as usual, check, then wash again after being taught the 20-second technique | 3 to 8 |
| Does the way you take off gloves matter? | Removing disposable non-latex gloves without instruction against with a taught technique | 5 to 8 |
Younger students can start with the simpler Glo Germ classroom activities, such as the Handshake Chain and How Well Did We Wash?
Write a hypothesis
A hypothesis says what you expect and why. For example: If volunteers wash with soap and water for 20 seconds, then less glow will be left under UV light than after a 5-second rinse, because the soap and the longer scrubbing time remove more of the gel. Write yours before you run the test, and keep it even if the results turn out different.
Materials
- A long-wave UV-A lamp. A 365nm lamp gives the cleanest glow. A phone "UV" light will not work. See what UV light you need for Glo Germ.
- Glo Germ gel (the gel washes off with soap and water)
- A sink with running water, soap and paper towels
- A timer
- A results table and graph paper, or a spreadsheet
- A dim room, or a Soft Glo Box, so the glow is easy to see
- A camera, for photos of each result under UV
- An adult to supervise
Variables and fair test rules
| Type | For the 5-second rinse against 20-second wash project |
|---|---|
| Independent variable (what you change) | The washing method |
| Dependent variable (what you measure) | The glow score from 0 to 5 after washing |
| Controlled variables (what stays the same) | Amount of gel, which hand areas are covered, water temperature, same soap, same lamp, same room lighting, same person scoring |
- Use the same amount of gel every time. Measure a small, equal amount for each volunteer.
- Define your score scale first. For example: 0 is no glow, 1 is a few specks, 2 is small patches, 3 is glow in several areas, 4 is glow on most of the hands, 5 is glow almost everywhere. Use the same scale for every score.
- Score without knowing the method, if you can. Ask a helper to score the hands without being told which wash was used.
- Repeat the test. Run each method several times, with more than one volunteer, so one odd result does not decide your answer. Ask your teacher how many trials your fair expects.
Step-by-step method
- Split your volunteers into two groups: a quick rinse (about 5 seconds under running water) and a full wash (soap and water for 20 seconds, timed).
- Every volunteer rubs the same amount of gel over both hands.
- Each volunteer washes using only their assigned method.
- Dim the lights. Check each pair of hands under the UV lamp and take a photo.
- Score the glow from 0 to 5 and write the score in your results table.
- Repeat with more volunteers or more rounds until you have enough trials.
- Find the average score for each method and draw a bar graph.
Results table
Use a layout like this one. Fill it in with your own scores.
| Volunteer | Method | Trial | Glow score (0 to 5) | Notes or photo number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5-second rinse | 1 | ||
| 2 | 20-second wash | 1 | ||
| 3 | 5-second rinse | 2 | ||
| 4 | 20-second wash | 2 |
To find an average, add up all the scores for one method and divide by the number of scores. Then compare the two averages in a bar graph, with the method on the bottom and the average score up the side.
Write your conclusion
- State what you found. Say which method left less glow, using your averages.
- Compare it with your hypothesis. Was it right, wrong, or partly right?
- Explain what could have affected the result. Gel amount, who scored, how well the room was darkened, or too few trials.
- Say what you would test next. For example, a 10-second wash, or washing between the fingers on purpose.
If your results are not what you expected, report them anyway. A surprising result that you tested fairly is still a good result.
What your results can and cannot show
Glo Germ shows where simulated germs are left on hands and how much. It does not tell you how many real germs were present, and it does not kill or remove germs on its own. Say this on your display board. Stating the limits of your test makes your project stronger.
Display board tips
- Put your question, hypothesis, materials and method on the board in that order.
- Include UV photos of a typical result for each method, taken in a dim room.
- Show your results table and a bar graph with labelled axes.
- Add a short conclusion and the limits of your test.
Safety
- Have an adult supervise every step.
- Read the safety data sheet and the product label before you start.
- The gel contains soy oil. Check for soy allergies before anyone puts it on their skin.
- Never shine the UV lamp into anyone's eyes, and do not ingest the gel.
- If you use powder for a surface project, keep it away from faces and eyes.
Get what you need for the project
A Glo Germ kit pairs a UV lamp with gel and powder. The Premium Mini Kit suits a small group or a single project, and Kit 1004 suits a whole class. Kits ship from Brockville, Ontario to every province.
Choose a Kit for School Shop Glo Germ KitsRelated guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a good hand washing science fair project?
Compare two handwashing methods with Glo Germ gel and a UV lamp, such as a 5-second rinse against a 20-second soap and water wash. Score the glow left on each pair of hands from 0 to 5, repeat the test several times, and graph the average score for each method.
How do you make a handwashing experiment a fair test?
Change only one thing, such as the washing method, and keep everything else the same: the amount of gel, the soap, the water, the lighting, the lamp and the person scoring. Define your score scale before you start, and repeat each test more than once.
Is Glo Germ safe to use for a science project?
GermWise describes Glo Germ as non-toxic and safe for use on skin under adult supervision. Read the safety data sheet and the label first. The gel contains soy oil, so check for soy allergies, never shine the UV lamp into anyone's eyes, and do not ingest the gel.
Do I need a special light for a Glo Germ experiment?
Yes. Glo Germ glows under long-wave UV-A light. A 365nm UV lamp gives the brightest, cleanest glow. A phone light is not real ultraviolet and will not make Glo Germ glow.
Does the project show how many real germs are left?
No. It shows how much simulated germ is left on the hands after each method. Glo Germ is a teaching tool. It does not measure, kill or remove real germs, so say that clearly in your conclusion.
About GermWise. GermWise is a division of Marlatek Inc., based in Brockville, Ontario. We supply GloGerm hygiene-training products and Giant Microbes plush toys to schools, hospitals, food service and families across Canada.