Where Are Your Germs?

A Science Project

By: R

February 8, 2013

Table of Content

Title Page………………………………………………………………… 1

Abstract………………………………………………………………….. 3

Introduction………………………………………………………………. 4

Problem …………………………………………………………….4

Hypothesis ………………………………………………………….4

Independent Variable ……………………………………………….4

Dependent Variable …………………………………………………4

Constants or Controlled Variables …………………………………..4

Background Research ……………………………………………….4

List of Materials…………………………………………………………… 5

Experimental Procedure…………………………………………………….5

Data Table………………………………………………..…………………6

Graph ………………………………………………………………………..7

Data Analysis and Discussion …….……………..………………………… 7

Conclusion………………………………………………………………….. 7

Ideas for Future Research ………………………………………………... 8

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………8

Topic: Spread the Soap Not the Germs

Abstract

The purpose of the project was to investigate which parts of the hand were the most difficult to wash germs off of. The experiment was carried out by having different classmates wash their hands with ‘Glo-germ’ to see which part of the hands still had germs after washing. An ultra violet light was used to inspect which part of their hands had germs while the lights were turned off. The hypothesis was if different parts of the hands are tested by putting ‘germs’ on them and washing the hands for at least twenty seconds, then the ‘germs’ on the fingers will be the most difficult to wash off. The constants for the experiment were the amount of Glo-germ; how it was rubbed over the hands; length of washing time; and observations made by the experimenter using ultra violet light with all other lights turned off.

The data from the experiment showed that germs were left under the finger nails for all the volunteers sampled. There was no germ on other parts of the hand except for two volunteers that had germs on the palm.

Introduction

Problem: What part of the hand is the most difficult to wash off germs?

Purpose: To investigate which parts of the hand are the most difficult to wash off germs.

Hypotheses:If different parts of the hands are tested by putting ‘germs’ on them and washing the hands for at least twenty seconds, then the ‘germs’ on the fingers will be the most difficult to wash off.

Independent Variable: Parts of the Hands.

Dependent Variable: Presence of germs in the different parts of the hand after washing hands.

Number of Trials: 6

Sample Size: A total of 6 classmates and teachers were tested as volunteers.

Constants:

  • Amount of Glo-Germ put on the hand
  • How the Glo Germ was spread all over the two hands before and after hand wash.
  • All subjects washed hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Same flash light was used to detect any Glo germs left on any part on the hand after hand wash.
  • Observation for germs was done in all cases with lights out.
  • All observation was done by the same person; the experimenter.

Background Research:

Germs are microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease. Bacteria are one-celled organisms. Germs spread through the food we eat, the things we touch, and the air we breathe. Spread of diseases can be reduced by proper washing of hands.

What is the proper way to wash your hands?

  • Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water.
  • Rub hands together to make lather and scrub all surfaces.
  • Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds(Same amount of time taken to sing the happy birthday song).

When is it a good idea to wash your hands?

  • Before eating or touching food
  • After bathroom use
  • After blowing your nose/ coughing
  • After touching things
  • After being outside
  • Before/ after visiting the sick.

To simulate is to make a likeness of something. ‘Glo-germ’ is a commercial product used to simulate germs and how germs spread.

List of Materials

  1. Glo-Germ
  2. Warm Water
  3. Paper Towels
  4. Hand soap
  5. Ultraviolet glow Light

Experimental Procedure

  1. In your lab notebook make a data table showing all the possible parts of the hands that germs might be found.
  2. Applying Glo-Germ:
  3. Squeeze a nickel size amount of Glo- germ on the palm of volunteers’ hand.
  4. Have the volunteer spread the Glo-germ evenly as though applying lotion. Make sure to have them apply some under the fingernails.
  5. Have the volunteer wash her hands with warm water. Make sure that they get under their fingernails. Have them wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. ( the amount of time it takes to sing happy birthday)
  6. Turn off the lights and shine the ultra-violet light on her hands. Look carefully for white glowing germs.
  7. In the lab note book, put a check mark for each part of the hand where you observed germs after washing hands.
  8. Repeat steps 2 – 5 for all the volunteers.
  9. Add the number of check marks for each part of the hand in the data table.

Data Table

Test Subject / Palms / Back of Hands / Fingers / In Between fingers / Under Fingernails
1 / √
2 / √
3 / √
4 / √ / √
5 / √ / √
6 / √

Data Analysis and Discussion:

The data from the experiment showed that all the volunteers tested had germs under their finger nails after washing hands for at least twenty seconds. Two volunteers had germs on the palms after washing. No germs were found on the back of hands, in between fingers, and fingers.

Conclusion:

The data does not supports my hypothesis in that if different parts of the hands are tested by putting ‘germs’ on them and washing the hands for at least twenty seconds, then the ‘germs’ on the fingers will be the most difficult to wash off. Instead germs were left under the finger nails in all the volunteers and only two had germs on their palms after washing. There was no germ on the fingers as well as the back of the hand and between the fingers.

Ideas for Future Research:

For future research,it would be interesting to learn about how germs multiply on the hands and how they are spread to different parts of the body.

Bibliography:

Slutz, Sandra. “Spread the Soap not the Germs.” Science Projects. 28 Jan. 2013. <

Mayo Clinic. “ Hand Washing; Do’s and Dont’s” Adult Health. 20 Jan.2013. <

Reynolds, Kelly. “What are germs?” Learn about Germs. 25 Jan. 2013.

Simmons, Kate. “What are Germs” Whyzz. 22 Jan.2013.

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