Activity Introduction

In this activity kids will complete a simple science experiment that demonstrates how washing your hands is so effective at stopping the spread of germs. 

This experiment follows a basic science experiment procedure where kids make a prediction about what might happen, conduct an experiment and record observations, and finally analyse results and draw conclusions. 

Background information for kids: We’re often told about the importance of washing our hands to stop the spread of germs, but with the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) we are hearing this message more and more. Why is washing your hands so important in stopping the spread of this virus?

Age: Lower Primary Ages 5 – 9

Themes: 

  • investigate
  • in the kitchen 

TIme required: 15-20 minutes

Curriculum connections: Science, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding

Tips for Parents and Carers

If you’re working with kids to complete this activity it can be useful to use additional prompts around what you’re doing to deepen the experience for kids. Prompts you could use include:

  • Why do you think that? Tell me more about that.
  • What do you think will happen here? Tell me more about that.
  • What does this make you think about?
  • What questions do you have about this?
  • What information was new to you? 
  • What did you find interesting or important about this?

Lesson & Curriculum Details

Resources Required

  • 1 bowl 
  • 1 cup of milk
  • Cracked pepper
  • Hand wash/soap
  • Towel
  • Pen/pencil
  • Camera/device capable of taking photos (optional)
  • Printed tables below or paper to create your own tables

 

[email protected] from Cool Australia

[email protected] resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs. Our [email protected] series includes two types of resources. The first are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages, the second are self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Student Worksheet

Fight Germs With Soap - Activity Instructions

We’re often told about the importance of washing our hands to stop the spread of germs, but with the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) we are hearing this message more and more. Why is washing your hands so important in stopping the spread of this virus?

Part A: Method

Step 1. Before setting up your experiment take a moment to think about the following question and record your thoughts on the worksheet:

  • Do you think using soap or hand wash makes any difference to keeping germs away - why or why not? 

Once you’ve had a go at answering this question, you can begin your experiment. 

Step 2. Take your cup of milk and add it to your bowl.

Step 3. Crack enough pepper over the milk so that there is a good covering of black specks over the milk. The pepper represents the virus.

Step 4. Place one finger into the centre of the mixture. What happens to the pepper? Take a photo or draw what happens when you place your finger into the b

...
 
- or - to view worksheets

Leave your Feedback

We appreciate your feedback. Let us know what you like or don't like about this activity:

Sorry. You must be logged in to view this form.