Germ Experiment for Kids

Teaching children about germs can be tricky since you can’t see them. This fun germ science experiment from @kidssimple uses a hands-on approach to illustrate how easily germs can spread. This is a great homeschool activity or a fun project for young kids to do before heading back-to-school to learn about the importance of good hand hygiene.

Here's what you need to get started:

• Paper
• Marker
• Paint
• Droppers
• Straws

STEP ONE
Trace hands on white paper.

STEP TWO
Carefully apply paint droplets to the hand prints, representing unseen germs.

Germ Fact: According to the CDC, a large percentage of foodborne disease outbreaks are spread by contaminated hands. Handwashing can reduce this risk. 

STEP THREE
Now blow through the straw to simulate a sneeze. Watch how the germs spread!

 

Germ Fact: Did you know that particles from a sneeze can travel up to 26 feet! That is the length of a standard school bus. (ref: Northwestern Medicine)

STEP FOUR
Give those prints a high five and then see how the germs transfer to your hands.

Germ Fact: Did you know that germs from unclean hands can be transferred to surfaces, like toys, handrails, or tabletops, and then transferred to another person’s hands? (Ref: CDC) 

STEP FIVE

Talk to your kids about the results! Were you surprised how easily the germs spread? Discuss the benefits of hand washing, which is still the #1 way to remove germs from hands. Share ways they can clean their hands when soap and water are not available.