EXPERIMENT:  Soapy Solutions

(Print version available in PDF)

Question

What is the most effective way to remove bacteria from your hands?

My Hypothesis:

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Materials Needed:

• Cooking oil
• Cinnamon
• Access to sink to wash hands
• Measuring spoons (teaspoon and tablespoon)

GETTING READY

Ask three classmates to volunteer for the experiment.

Procedure

For the student volunteers:

1. Rub 1 tablespoon of cooking oil all over your hands until completely coated. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cinnamon on hands and rub it around until it's evenly distributed. The cinnamon will be like bacteria. It's all over!
2. Wash hands as follows, rubbing them briskly for 20 seconds:
   • Student #1: wash hands with cold water and no soap
   • Student #2: wash hands with warm water and no soap
   • Student #3: wash hands with warm water and soap

For the rest of the class:

1. Observe the three handwashing methods.
2. Record the results.

My Observations:

• The method of handwashing that removed the most "bacteria" was:

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• The method that removed the least "bacteria" was:

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• Illustrate how the hands of Students 1, 2 and 3 looked after washing.

My Conclusions:

• I can remove bacteria from my hands by:

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• If I used only cold water and no soap to wash, this is what might happen:

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• Why does the . . .
  
  • Warm water help?

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  • Soap?

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  • Rubbing?

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Tip:

Check to make sure there is handwashing soap at every sink in your home and at school.

Tell Your Family ...

Encourage all family members to wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.

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* Distributed May 2002 for use in September 2002 as part of the International Food Safety Council's National Food Safety Education Month^®.
* Also distributed by the Partnership for Food Safety Education for use in September 2004, September 2005 and September 2007 as part of the National Food Safety Education Month^®.

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