The great germ experiment

With all the talk of Swine Flu swirling about, I thought it was a good day for a lesson about germs.

Materials needed: lotion, glitter, paper towels, soap, sink

Have child rub a drop of lotion onto both hands

Put a pinch of glitter (germs) on child's hand and have her make a fist and then press both hands together. Explain how easy it is to spread our germs (after sneezing, for instance).

Have children shake hands - again to illustrate how easy it is to pass germs. If your child accidentally wipes her eyes, nose or mouth DON'T stop her. This is a good way to illustrate how easily the germs can get into our bodies.

After a few shakes, have the child look at all the new germs on her hands!

Let her try wiping the germs off with a paper towel. Notice how difficult it is to get the germs off and how the germs don't "disappear" once they are wiped onto the towel.

Now have the child wash her hands with soap and water. Discuss how EASILY the germs are cleaned off the hands.