Glitter Bug Lotion at Steve Spangler Science

Ever wondered if Mom knew what she was talking about when she told you to “wash your hands?” Wonder no more... Glitter Bug Lotion is sure to cure any doubt about the necessity of washing your hands. Squirt a little of the lotion on your hands and then wash your hands. Break out the black light and discover all the "germs" you missed. You won’t believe your eyes when you see everywhere Glitter Bug still resides! This germ simulator lotion reacts under the black light to show you where the Glitter Bug Lotion didn't get washed off. Recommended for children ages 6 and up. Each bottle contains enough lotion for over 200 uses.

What's included?

240 mL bottle of Glitter Bug Lotion

What does it teach?

Help children understand the importance of hand-washing and proper hand-washing technique. The specially formulated Glitter Bug Lotion appears under black light and shows areas where hands weren’t throughly washed and how rapidly germs can spread from one child to another. Glitter Bug Lotion is a must-have product for every classroom, home or even workplace!

Cover Your Mouth - Germ Science

Glitterbug Lotion was a big hit in 3rd grade

Bill Brooks - May 29, 2010

This user gave 5/5 stars

This may have been the kids favorite experiment all year.
We put some of the lotion on each 3rd grade teachers hands first thing in the morning, then came back at 1pm. As the Science Dads we dressed the part, lab coats, goggles, gloves, and even respirators. We told the kids we needed to inspect the third grade pod for the spread of germs. We used a 24" black light and found traces on the teachers hands, rings, pants, and transfers to some of the kids hands, and a few spots around the room, coffee mug, computer, etc. Then we put the lotion on the kids hands to 'remove' any residual germs. Then we showed them their hands in the black light, oops, you have germs. After 3 or 4 hand washings we got most of it off. Then we reviewed a quiz about handwashing that we pulled from the Costco Magazine website.
The only suggestion I have is to do this near the beginning of the school year for better hand washing all year. And if you are short on time, only use two volunteers to demonstrate the handwashing challenge.
GREAT PRODUCT!!!

Perfect for CSI Unit

Rebecca - April 25, 2010

This user gave 5/5 stars

I teach Sunday School and this was perfect for our "CSI Jerusalem" unit. The kids washed their hands before class and put on my special lotion. After 30 minutes of classtime we went into our special black light room and discussed how CSI investigators use chemicals and black lights to find DNA and other evidence. I asked them if their hands were still clean. They assured me they were. The regular lights went off and the black lights went on. The kids were astonished how many germs were on their hands just by touching everyday items. The Glitter Bug Lotion even identified the kids who had rubbed their nose! The Biblical analogy is that we look on the outside of a person and we don't see sin but God can see it and still loves us and offers forgiveness.

Great idea for my kid's teacher

Brett Adams Lonetree, Colorado - September 7, 2009

This user gave 5/5 stars

This would be a great experiment for my kid's teacher to do in class since everything that comes home now day is talking about the spread of the Swine Flu. Good way for kids to see how germs are easily spread.