Germ Adventures Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Germ Adventures
The Spitting Dilemma
Tier 1 Lesson
Objective
Students will understand what germs are, how they spread through contact and bodily fluids like saliva, and why maintaining hygiene (specifically avoiding spitting) is crucial for community health.
Quick Info
30 Minutes
Grades 1-5
Health & Hygiene
Prep & Materials
Glitter or colored powder
Hand sanitizer (for clean up)
Paper towels
Discussion Guide (Material)
Worksheet & Quiz (Materials)
Slides (Material)
Instructional Steps
5m
Introduction to Germs
Begin with a brief discussion on what germs are and where they can be found.
Ask: "How do germs spread?"
Ask: "Why is it important to keep clean?"
10m
Germ Spread Activity (The "Glitter Shake")
Simulate the invisible path of germs using glitter.
One student is "infected" with a small amount of glitter on their hand.
That student shakes hands with 3 others, who then shake hands with others.
Observe how the "germs" spread throughout the room.
Discuss: How is this like real germs (which are invisible)?
5m
Discussion on Spitting
Connect the spread of germs to bodily fluids.
Focus on why spitting is a high-risk activity for spreading germs and lead to illness. Use the Discussion Guide to explore prevention ideas like tissues and hand washing.
10m
Reflection & Assessment
Close the lesson with individual work.
Worksheet (5m): Students reflect on the activity.
Quiz (5m): Assess final understanding of hygiene habits.
Teacher Tips
Ensure students use hand sanitizer or wash their hands thoroughly after the glitter activity. For older students (Grades 4-5), you can introduce the concept of "pathogens" and how some germs are more resilient than others.
Germs and Spitting Discussion Guide Germs & Spitting
Discussion Guide for Young Pathogen Hunters
1
Why is spitting considered unhealthy?
Think about what travels inside our saliva...
The Germ Connection
Saliva carries tiny organisms like bacteria and viruses. When we spit, we launch these germs into the air or onto surfaces where others can touch them.
Spreading Sickness
If someone is sick (even if they don't feel it yet), their spit can carry the virus to their friends, family, and classmates.
Classroom Ideas & Notes
2
How can we prevent the spread of germs?
What can we do instead of spitting?
Wash Hands
Use Tissues
Don't Spit
Classroom Action Plan
Remember: Healthy habits keep our whole classroom happy!
Germ Spread Activity Worksheet Germ Spread Activity
How do invisible germs travel from person to person?
Name:
Date:
Lab Report
In today's activity, we used glitter to represent germs. Use your observations from the handshake experiment to answer the questions below.
1. Describe what happened when the "infected" student shook hands with others.
2. What did you learn about how germs spread?
Germ Mapping
Draw a quick diagram of how the "germs" traveled through your group!
Germs and Hygiene Quiz Quiz: Germs & Hygiene
Show what you know about staying healthy!
Name:
Score:
/ 5
1
What are germs?
Tiny animals that live in the woods
Small seeds that grow into plants
Tiny living things that can cause sickness
2
In our activity, what did the glitter represent?
Soap bubbles
Germs spreading through contact
Magic dust
3
Why is spitting considered unhealthy?
It is a waste of water
It helps germs grow on trees
Saliva can carry germs that make others sick
4
True or False: Washing your hands is one of the best ways to stop germs.
TRUE
FALSE
5
Instead of spitting or coughing into the air, we should use a:
Stay Clean
Stay Healthy
Spread Kindness, Not Germs
Germ Adventures Instructional Slides Germ Adventures
The Spitting Dilemma
What are Germs?
Germs are tiny living things that are too small to see with just our eyes.
They live everywhere: on hands, toys, and even inside our bodies!
Bacteria
Viruses
The Glitter Experiment
Watch how "Germs" travel!
1
One student gets a little "glitter" (germs) on their hand.
2
They shake hands with 3 friends.
3
Those friends shake hands with others!
The Spitting Dilemma
Why is it unhealthy?
Saliva carries germs
Spitting launches germs
Others can get sick
Just like the glitter on your hands, saliva can carry germs that you can't see!
"Keep your spit in your kit!"
Be a Germ Warrior!
Wash Hands
20 Seconds
Use Tissues
Catch that sneeze
Stay Clean
Help your friends