Lesson Plan: Engaging Handwashing Experiment with Glo Germ Lotion

Check out this free lesson plan before your cooking lab experience. Handwashing is an important aspect of maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of germs and cross-contact when in the kitchen. However, it can be difficult to tell if you’re washing your hands effectively. Add in the fact that junior high and high school students aren’t always the best at realizing how well they wash their hands. That’s where Glo Germ lotion comes in – a handy tool to help you see how well you’re washing your hands. This is an engaging lesson for your Family and Consumer Science and Culinary Arts classroom.

What is Glo Germ Lotion?

Glo Germ lotion is a product that contains fluorescent particles that are invisible to the naked eye. When you apply the lotion to your hands and then wash them, the particles will glow under UV light, revealing areas where you may have missed during your handwashing routine. These fluorescent particles act as fake germs for this experiment.

How do you use it?

To use Glo Germ lotion, start by washing your hands as you normally would. Then, apply a small dime amount of the lotion to your hands, making sure to cover all surfaces. Rub your hands together as you would with soap, ensuring that the lotion is spread evenly across your skin. Once you’ve finished, rinse your hands thoroughly with water and dry them off. You might advise students to take off rings and bracelets before beginning, but leaving on bracelets does help them see how these pieces of jewelry aren’t washed well and can harbor germs.

Next, turn off the lights and turn on a UV light. The areas of your hands where the Glo Germ lotion was not removed will glow under the UV light, allowing you to see where you need to improve your handwashing technique. I send students back to wash again if they don’t pass the first time, and some students are sent back to wash two to three times.

Handwashing experiment for learning

Using Glo Germ lotion can be a fun and educational activity for junior high and high schoolers. It’s a great way to teach them about the importance of washing their hands thoroughly, and it can also help them to identify areas where they may be missing during their handwashing routine. This makes for a perfect lesson before beginning your culinary arts cooking labs when students are cooking for themselves and others.

In addition to using Glo Germ lotion, it’s important to remember to wash your hands regularly throughout the time in the kitchen, especially before and after handling food and using the restroom. This activity is a great reminder for handwashing after handling raw meat and high-allergy foods to avoid cross-contact and cross-contamination.

Proper handwashing technique involves using soap and water, lathering for at least 20 seconds, and washing all surfaces of the hands, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails.

What do I need for this lesson?

To complete this lesson, you will need UV Flashlights” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>UV flashlights to view the “fake germs” that linger after washing your hands. By using this lotion and following proper handwashing techniques, you can help prevent the spread of germs and keep yourself and those around you healthy. After students finish washing their hands, you can use this free reflection form.

Here’s another idea

Increase students’ awareness of how easily cross-contact can happen in a kitchen by using the Walking Tacos cooking lab.

Don’t forget this free reflection form for students to complete at the end of the lesson.

Happy handwashing!