Teaching Kids about Germs - Getting "Hands On" with Germs
When teaching kids about germs, this hands-on activity is an effective visual! Plus, kids love spreading the cooking oil and cinnamon (germs) on their hands. This activity uses common household materials. Download the printable pack full of resources you can use when teaching kids about germs.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Active Time15 minutes mins
- Cooking oil
- Cinnamon
- Balloons
- Clear paper cups
- Soap and water for clean up
Blow up the balloons. Give each student an inflated balloon and two clear plastic cups.
Pour a little oil onto each child’s hands and have them work the oil in well to their hands, then sprinkle their hands generously with cinnamon. You could use glitter, but cinnamon makes less mess and smells good! Students should work the cinnamon into their hands. It will feel very gritty. Their hands should be nice and “germy.”
Next, have each student pick up their balloon. Have them make a handprint with each hand on the balloon. What do they see on the balloon?
Have each student pick up one of their clean plastic cups. What do they see? Are there more or less germs on the glass than on the balloon? Going between the cups and balloon, keep “spreading the germs.”
Alternate between the cups and balloon; keep “spreading the germs.”
Wash hands and surfaces with soap and water when done. Complete the discussion questions either via discussion or by completing the discussion worksheet. Download the printable pack for the discussion questions.