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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Biology » Germs and worms

    Germs and worms

    June 27, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 17 Comments

    Where possible I always get my children to wash their hands before eating. The bigger two have made up a song to encourage little H to wash hers properly, it goes something like this:

    Rub and scratch, rub and scratch

    Or you’ll get worms and germs

    worms and germs.

    la la la la

    Lovely, don’t you think?

    We did a very simple activity today to show how dirt and germs can spread.

    glitter

    hand washing

    hand washing

    The glitter is meant to represent dirt and germs we can’t see, and show how easily they pass from one person to another.

    I was very careful to explain that not all germs are bad, and they shouldn’t worry about holding hands, but should wash them before eating if they can.

    The healthy schools project has more information about good hygiene.

    Last Updated on September 9, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Actually Mummy...

      June 27, 2013 at 10:36 pm

      I’m so doing this with my two! I’m even going to make them scratch it off their hands and then see where that glitter goes to! Hope there wasn’t too much cleaning for Mummy after this 🙂

      Reply
    2. Mammasaurus

      June 28, 2013 at 5:35 pm

      Ooo I think this might work with grubby husbands too!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 03, 2013 at 9:58 am

        it might 🙂

        Reply
    3. Mum of One

      July 01, 2013 at 11:14 am

      What a fantastic idea! I will definitely give this a go with the toddler. Thanks so much for sharing with the pin it party. Have pinned to our main board and my own parenting tips board and am following on pinterest 🙂 http://pinterest.com/jbmumofone/boards/

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 03, 2013 at 9:59 am

        Thank you

        Reply
    4. The fairy and the frog

      July 01, 2013 at 12:10 pm

      What a great idea. I have taken to smelling The Fairy’s hands for soap as she often says she’s washed her hands already and I’m not 100% sure. Maybe this will help her to see why it’s soooo important!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 03, 2013 at 9:59 am

        I do the smelling too.

        Reply
    5. OneMommy

      July 01, 2013 at 12:15 pm

      What a great way to teach little ones why they need to wash hands!

      Pinning this from Fairy and the Frog hop!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 03, 2013 at 10:05 am

        Thanks

        Reply
    6. Jess @ Catch A Single Thought

      July 01, 2013 at 3:32 pm

      This is a great idea! I will definitely be trying it with my eldest who is going through a big phase of not wanting to wash her hands when asked!!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        July 03, 2013 at 10:05 am

        All mine are in the phase 🙂

        Reply
    7. Alice @ Mums Make Lists

      July 09, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      Fab idea! And I love the song 🙂

      I would love for you to link up at the Mommy Archive – we’re focused on all things insect & bug this week, Alice @ Mums Make Lists

      Reply
    8. Kaylee

      April 14, 2017 at 7:51 pm

      Did you use glitter glue or just water and glitter to make it stick?

      Reply
    9. تندخوانی

      July 19, 2017 at 8:25 am

      Thank you very much

      Reply

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