Germs Around Us

Objective

By the end of this 20-minute session, 3rd grade students will be able to:

• Understand what germs are and identify different types (bacteria, viruses).
• Explain how germs spread and the importance of hygiene, specifically handwashing.
• Demonstrate the basic steps of handwashing to prevent the spread of germs.

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Standards Alignment

This lesson aligns with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as follows:

NGSS Performance Expectations

• 3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death. (Germs relate as living organisms affecting humans)
• 3-LS3-2: Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment (germs affecting health).

Common Core ELA Standards (for integration)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.1: Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Small glitter containers or colored sand (to represent germs)
• Paper towels and a basin with water for handwashing demonstration
• Handwashing poster (visual step-by-step guide)
• Timer or stopwatch

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (3 minutes)

• Start with an attention grabber: "Raise your hand if you think germs are tiny spiders!"
• Explain germs are tiny living things too small to see. They can make us sick or help us stay healthy.
• Briefly mention types: bacteria and viruses (keep simple).
• Move into why it’s important to know about germs.

2. Hands-On Germ Spread Activity (7 minutes)

• Explain: "We will play a game to see how germs spread."
• Select 4 volunteers. Put a pinch of glitter (the "germs") on their hands.
• Have the volunteers shake hands or touch classmates one by one for 2 minutes.
• Use this moment to ask the class if they notice something (glitter spreading).
• Discuss how germs spread by touch and why we can’t always see them.

3. Handwashing Demonstration (6 minutes)

• Show the handwashing poster and run through the 5-step handwashing technique (wet, soap, scrub, rinse, dry).
• Use the basin and water to do a live demonstration.
• Have students pair up and practice the steps on each other with paper towels to dry.
• Use the timer to show the recommended 20 seconds of scrubbing, suggesting they sing a short song like “Happy Birthday” twice.

4. Wrap-Up and Quick Quiz (4 minutes)

• Use a fun rapid-fire Q&A to reinforce key points:
  • What is a germ?
  • Can we see germs?
  • How do germs spread?
  • How can we stop germs from spreading?
• Congratulate the class on learning about germs and being germ detectives!

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation of student participation during glitter activity and handwashing practice.
• Summative: Rapid-fire Q&A at the end to check understanding.

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Extension Idea (Optional)

• Challenge students to draw a “Germ Hero” superhero who helps fight germs with handwashing and healthy habits. This ties creativity into understanding germs.

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Teacher’s Tips

• Encourage enthusiasm and praise students when they demonstrate understanding.
• Use vivid explanations, like saying "germs hitch a ride on our hands like tiny invisible passengers."
• Keep the pace brisk but allow room for curiosity without letting the class get distracted.

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This lesson transforms a core health concept into an interactive 20-minute session that adheres to NGSS and integrates Common Core communication standards, ideal for engaging 3rd graders and fostering healthy habits early!