This document discusses proper hand washing techniques to prevent the spread of germs and disease. It explains that some diseases are caused by germs which can be spread between people, while others are not. Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds reduces the number of germs on hands and prevents transmission. An activity is described where students use glitter to represent germs and test different hand washing methods, finding that soap and warm water is most effective at removing germs.

1. By:Jake Mills

2. Standard 3 The living environment. Students learn about an increasing variety of organisms. They use appropriate tools and identify similarities and differences among them. Students explore how organisms satisfy their needs in typical environments. Indicator: 3.4.9 Explain that some diseases are caused by germs and some are not. Note that diseases caused by germs may be spread to other people. Also understand that washing hands with soap and water reduces the number of germs that can get into the body or that can be passed on to other people. Taken from Indiana Dept of Education (DOE) http://www.indianastandardsresources.org/files/sci/sci_3_4_9.pdf

3. DEFINITIONS Investigate- To observe or inquire into in detail. Germs-A small mass of cells from which a new organism or one of its parts may develop. The earliest form of an organism; a seed, bud, or spore. Disease-A condition or tendency, as of society, regarded as abnormal and harmful. Illness -Poor health resulting from disease of body or mind Wash-To cleanse, using water or other liquid, usually with soap, detergent, or bleach, by immersing, dipping, rubbing, or scrubbing:wash one's hands; wash windows.To soak, rinse out, and remove (dirt or stain) Definitions from Yahoo Kids Online Dictionary http://kids.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/english

4. Washing your hands is not just something to do while you wait for your friends or because your mom tells you to. It is one of the best defenses against all sorts of disease. You can carry millions of illness causing microbes on your hands that can cause colds, the flu and many others. You can pick them up by touching doorknobs, shopping carts, or stair railings that have been touched by other people who are not good at washing their hands. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. Information from http://www.d11.org/fns/hand_washing_facts.htm

5. List places around your school and home where germs could be passed to each other. Write a explanation why you think these places have a lot of germs. List Places Why you think they have germs

6. Classify the places you came up with into three categories. If you think the place has a high number of germs, then put it into the high section. If it has a low number of germs put it into the low section, If you think it is in between high and low, put it in the in between section. Feel free to add other places you can think of. High In between Low

7. In the box you will find glitter and hand lotion, with these two things we are going to investigate how germs can get into the body and can be passed on to other people. For this activity you will need help from other people to finish this activity. BEFORE YOU COMPLETE THE NEXT STEPS PREDICT WHAT YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN TO THE GERMS WHEN YOU START SHAKING PEOPLE'S HANDS. Record your predection in the space below.

8. 1st Step: Put a small amount of lotion in your hand and rub the lotion all over your hands. 2nd Step: Hold your hands over a trash can or bucket and sprinkle glitter onto your hands. Then rub your hands together to spread the glitter evenly. The glitter represents germs. Each person should use a different color of glitter it will help keep track of where the germs came from. 3rd Step: Now go around and start shaking other people hands who are around, and record what happened to the germs. Ask yourself questions like did the germs spread from one hand to the other? How easily did the germs spread from one hand to the other. Look at the information you recorded, does it match up with what you predicted. Does both of them go along with what we are investigating, which is how germs can get into the body and can be passed on to other people.

9. Now will we investigate how washing our hands with soap and water reduces the number of germs. Your hands should still be covered with glitter, remember the glitter represents germs. Have the students observe what happens to the glitter after each step. You will need three people for this activity, one person for each step. 1st step Try to get the glitter off by using dry paper towels. Observe what your hands looked like before and after using the paper towels. Do your hands have the same amount of glitter, more glitter, or less glitter? 2nd step Now one person rinse their hands in cold water. Observe what happens to your hands before and after rinsing them. Do your hands have the same amount of glitter, more glitter, or less glitter? Do your hand have less glitter than the person who used dry paper towels?

10. Step 3 Now the last person wash your hands with soap and warm water. Observe your hands before and after washing them. Do your hands have the same amount of glitter, more glitter, or less glitter?” Do they have less germs than the person who used dry paper towels, and cold water. Now describe your results from each step with each other, and discuss which way gets rid of germs the best. Answer the following questions, this will help organize your observations and come up with a conclusion.

11. We experimented with three ways to get rid of our glitter germs. Which way got rid of the least amount of glitter germs? Which method got rid of the most glitter germs? What do we need to do to get germs off our hands?

12. Who do you think would get sick more often: a person who washes his/her hands with cold water or a person who washes his/her hands with soap and warm water? Explain how you know this

13. Thank you for completing my science box activity, and remember to scrub a dub dub those hands, and stop the spread of germs!!