Science Activity: Clean Hands Challenge

May 18, 2026

Welcome back to the Future Scientists Club!

Welcome back to the Future Scientists Club! This science series was created to connect our community with diabetes research and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Today, you’ll use the scientific method to test how germs spread, just like a real scientist. This experiment is for curious kids of all ages—just remember to get a grown-up’s okay before you start.

You’ll:

Make a prediction (hypothesis)
Run an experiment
Collect data
Think about what your results mean

Let’s get started!

Click here for printable instructions!

Objective: What’s the goal?

Why are clean hands and tools important for diabetes care?

Have you ever heard a grownup say “Wash your hands first!” or “Use an alcohol swab!” or “Keep your diabetes supplies clean!”

It might feel like a lot of responsibility, but what if you could see why it matters with your own eyes?

Today we’re going to investigate how germs spread from our hands and grow over time—and to understand why clean hands are especially important when managing diabetes (like before finger pricks or insulin injections).

Hypothesis: Make a Prediction

Before you start, make a prediction (your best guess based on what you know).

Which piece of bread do you think will grow the most mold?
Which do you think will grow the least mold?
Is water alone enough to clean your hands?

Write down your ideas. This is called a hypothesis.

Materials: What you’ll need

4 slices of bread (plain white sandwich bread works best because it’s easy to see changes)
4 resealable plastic bags
A marker (for labeling)
Running Water
Alcohol wipe (like the ones used before injections). If you don’t have wipes, you can use hand sanitizer.
Tongs or disposable gloves to move bread without touching it.
Colored pencils, crayons, or markers to record your results.

Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Label your four bags
Use the marker to label your bags with these titles:

Control Bread
Water-Washed Hands
Unwashed Hands
Sanitized Hands

Step 2: Prepare your “Control Bread”
Use tongs or disposable gloves to carefully place one slice of bread directly into the bag without touching it. Seal the bag and set to the side.

Step 3: Prepare your “Unwashed Hands” bread
Touch the slice of bread all over with unwashed hands. Seal it in the bag and set to the side.

Step 4: Prepare your “Water-Washed Hands” bread
Wash your hands with water only (no soap), dry them, then touch the next slice of bread all over. Seal it in the bag and set it to the side.

Step 5: Prepare your “Sanitized Hands” bread
Give your hands a good clean with an alcohol wipe—don’t miss any spots! Let them dry, then touch the bread all over. Seal it in the bag and set it to the side.

Step 6: Setup your bags for observation
Place your sealed bags somewhere you can check them every day—but remember, don’t open them!

Here are some good spots:

On your desk – Easy to observe during homework or school time
Taped to a window – Great for seeing changes with sunlight (ask a grown-up for help!)
On a bookshelf – A safe place where they won’t get moved around
On a kitchen counter – Just keep them out of the way of food prep
Inside a clear container or box – Helps keep everything organized in one place

Step 7: Observe and Record
Observe over 2–3 weeks (do not open the bags!).

Results: Record what you find

Check your bread every few days and record:

Which slice changes first?
Which slice has the most mold?
Which slice has the least mold?

After 2-3 weeks of observation and recording, you can safely throw away your bags of moldy bread. Don’t leave them much longer than that or they will be extra gross to clean up!

Draw where mold is growing using the charts below.

Conclusion: Think Like a Scientist

Answer these questions:

Was your hypothesis correct? Why or why not?
Which cleaning method worked best?
Was washing with only water and no soap good enough?
How did the sanitized hands bread compare?

What Did You Learn?

Even when hands look clean, they can carry invisible germs!

This experiment helps explain why people with diabetes are often reminded to:

Wash hands before checking blood sugar
Use alcohol swabs before injections
Keep equipment clean

Germs on your hands can:

Affect blood sugar readings
Increase the risk of infection
Enter the body through small openings in the skin

That’s why these small habits make a big difference.

Scientists supported by the Diabetes Research Connection are working on new treatments and technologies—but daily care, like clean hands, is still one of the most powerful tools you have.

Want to learn more? You can repeat this experiment and test different types of soap to see which one kills germs the best! What else would be interesting to compare? Let us know!

Tell Us What You Think!

Did you enjoy this experiment?
What would you like to test or learn about next? Let us know! info@diabetesresearchconnection.org

For grown-ups:

This activity is inspired by ongoing diabetes research. Click here to learn more about the science we’re currently funding through seed grants at Diabetes Research Connection.

Meet Our Researchers!