Doing a science fair experiment on the effectiveness of disinfectant wipes with bacteria growth in petri dishes, what is the Variables?

Question

Doing a science fair experiment on the effectiveness of disinfectant wipes with bacteria growth in petri dishes, what is the Variables?

Answer 1

Marylin,

 

Since you are using the word "disinfectant wipes" and not any particular brand, I think different brands would vary somewhat in its chemical composition as well as thickness. That would be one variable.

 

Likewise you are using the word "bacteria" and not any particular strain and therefore, another variable would be which strain is more resistant to disinfection.

 

The quality of petri-dish can also be an added variable, they are available in different qualities: such as some are UV sterilized while others are not.

 

Finally, there is variable of human error/performance since a researcher might be novice in growing bacteria and contaminate them due to inexperience. In contrast, a seasoned researcher would be careful to avoid any contamination.

 

Hope it helps.