Lesson
Goal: Science – Observe the
spread of germs through a
classroom experiment.
Materials: Worksheet 6 “Spreading
Germs Experiment,” pencil, glitter,
sticky notes, optional items for
students to touch (e.g., empty
cereal box, milk carton, tissue box)
Time Required: 20-30 minutes
spreading
germs
experiment
6 Then have students either wash
their hands with soap and warm
water for 20 seconds or use a
sanitizing wipe. Students record
their results.
Teaching
Points:
7 Discuss how the students’
predictions were different or the
same from the actual results.
The best way to clean hands is
by using the six hand washing
steps. If water and soap are
not available then use a
sanitizing wipe.
Advanced Skill Level Option
(Note – requires additional time)
Basic Lesson Steps
1 Review the six steps of the
scientific method (see below).
Write steps on chalkboard out of
order and have students rearrange
them correctly.
4 Students shake hands with each
other and move around the room
touching the selected items that
are labeled with a sticky note. You
can supply an empty milk carton, an
empty cereal box or a tissue box.
That way, the items touched could
then be easily discarded after the
experiment. The students observe
the glittering “germs” spread
between the students and objects.
3 Students come back together
and discuss the different methods
they used.
4 Discuss how the students’
predictions were different or the
same from the actual results.
W
hen should you wash
your hands?
•Before, during and after
preparing food
•Before eating food
•Before and after caring
for someone who is sick
•Before and after treating
a cut or wound
•After using the toilet
•After blowing your nose,
coughing or sneezing
•After touching garbage
5 Have students try to clean the
glitter off using a variety of
methods (e.g., a paper towel,
shake, rinse with cold water)
and watch as some of the
germs remain. Record results
on worksheet.
1 Ask a question
W
here can you take
sanitizing wipes?
•Playground
•Field trip
•Cafeteria
•Auditorium
•School bus
•Computer lab
•Library
•Gym
•Band room
1 Read over the instructions and
explain to students the process
of the experiment.
2 Students make predictions about
the experiment.
3 Place a small amount of glitter
onto students’ hands.
2 Students break up into small
groups. Each group tries several
methods to clean their hands and
records answers on Worksheet 6.
Advanced: Review the six steps
of the scientific method
2 Do research
3 Create a hypothesis
4 Test with experiment
5 Analyze and draw conclusions
6 Report results
proud sponsors
© 2013 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A® and Chick-fil-A Stylized® are registered trademarks of CFA Properties, Inc.
© 2013. GOJO Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. *An affiliate of GOJO Industries, Inc.
Lesson
spreading germs
experiment
WORKSHEET 6
germs
Proud Sponsor
Instructions:Please answer questions #1 - #3 before completing the experiment. Once you have done
the experiment answer the remaining questions.
1 In this experiment you will answer: What is the best way to clean hands?
2 Using what you know, what have you learned about cleaning your hands?
3 Predict what you think will happen in the experiment. I believe the best way to clean my hands is by:
4 Complete experiment with your class and teacher.
5 Record your results.
Hand-cleaning method
Results
6 Once you have tested different hand-cleaning methods, fill in the answer. I learned that the best way
to remove the glitter or “germs” is by:
7 Circle the correct answer: My prediction was correct or incorrect.
proud sponsors
© 2013 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A® and Chick-fil-A Stylized® are registered trademarks of CFA Properties, Inc.
© 2013. GOJO Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. *An affiliate of GOJO Industries, Inc.