Food and Beverages - Safe Food Practices

Hand Washing: Grades 3 - 4

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Creating Your Own Germs

Students learn about different types of bacteria, their shapes and are able to use modeling clay to create their own bacteria.

Equipment/Resources:

• Chart with bacteria shapes and description (provided below)
• 2 cups flour (500ml)
• 1 cup salt (250ml)
• 1 tablespoon oil (15ml)
• 1 cup hot water (250ml)
• Food colouring, powdered or liquid paint

Lesson Description:

1. Show students the chart with the magnified germs and what illnesses or diseases are spread by each type of germ.
2. Tell students that all the germs on the chart are actually called bacteria. Bacteria and viruses are the most common germs that cause illness and disease.
3. Have students mix modelling compound from the ingredients listed above and create their own bacteria shapes based on those from the chart.
4. Discuss how bacteria, although so small that they can't be seen, are all over hands and under the fingernails just like the modelling clay.
5. Have students demonstrate proper hand washing technique when washing off the modelling clay.

Variations:
Find magnified pictures of viruses and discuss common illnesses that can be caused by viruses. Also discuss the concept of beneficial bacteria and viruses that don't make people sick, like bacteria used to make yogurt and cheese.

Have students make models of the different types of bacteria.