Germ Experiment
Talk with the children about germs:
Where can they be found?
Why can’t we see them?
How do we keep safe from germs?
Next, explain that we are going to experiment with how germs work by using bread and plastic bags.
We will touch the bread on various surfaces and then put them into the bags.
Over the next few days, we will observe them and see what changes are taking place.
What surfaces do you think have the most germs?
What surfaces do you think have the least germs?
Record your changes and ask these questions again as you observe the experiment with your group.
Preparing the project:
Label bags based on the surface that the bread has touched (ex. sink). There should be one bag labeled “control”, that has not touched any surface (even hands). Use a pair of tongs to put it into bag. All of the other pieces should be rubbed or touched on the surfaces you have all picked.
Use a gloved hand (change gloves in between surfaces) to ensure the most accurate experiment.
Hang bags in a visible place, at the children’s eye level so that they can observe and record their findings throughout the week.