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.