Lesson Plans Grades 4 to 8
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Lesson Plan #18: Create Your Own Germs!
Learning Objectives
- Students will recognize and create, using modelling clay, different types of bacteria.
Materials
- “Magnified Bacteria and What They Do!” sheet (1 page, 182 KB)
- 2 cups flour (500 ml)
- 1 cup salt (250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon oil (15 ml)
- 1 cup hot water (250 ml)
- Food colouring, powdered or liquid paint
Key Messages
- There are different types of bacteria that can make us sick.
- Proper handwashing techniques can remove germs (bacteria) from hands.
Method
- Show students the chart “Magnified Bacteria and What They Do!”. Indicate that these are bacteria and that bacteria and viruses are the most common germs that cause illnesses and diseases.
Students will:
- Mix modelling compound from the ingredients listed above and create their own bacteria shapes based on those from the chart.
- Observe and identify the bacteria models of their peers.
- Point out that bacteria are so small that they cannot be seen and can be all over the hands and under the fingernails just like the modeling clay.
Students will:
- Demonstrate proper handwashing technique when washing off the modeling clay.
- Describe the level of difficulty of removing this clay from wrists, hands, fingers and nails.
Activity
- Discussion: What changes are necessary to improve personal hygiene at home, at school, with family, with friends?
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Adapted with permission from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit.
