I don’t remember where I got this idea, but it is one I will use forever.  This is great to use the first week of school.

Materials: 

• Glitter
• Lotion
• Paper Towels
• Newspaper or something to protect the table

Objective:  To demonstrate to students that germs exist and spread even if you can’t see them.

Introduction:  Talk to students about germs.  What do they know about them?  Why are germs bad?

Lesson: 

• Have each child put lotion on their hands (don’t rub it in too much because the glitter won’t stick as well).
• Then the teacher sprinkles glitter (germs) on to each students hands as she is telling them to pretend that the glitter are germs.
• Give each student a paper towel and ask them to try and remove all the glitter from their hand just using the paper towel.
• Once they see that it doesn’t work, tell them to try and rinse it off with water only.  This may entail a class trip to the bathroom.
• Then when they see the water won’t rinse off the germs, have them use soap and water.

Conclusion:  Students will understand the importance of washing hands with soap and water.  Also note that the glitter will be on the sinks and faucets.  Although a little messy a great lesson to show how the germs spread on to whatever they touch.