This lesson helps students have a better understanding of how easy it is for a virus to spread. We will discuss different ways to protect ourselves and stay healthy as well as focus on the importance of handwashing.
Students will come in contact with Glo Germ gel and hand sanitizer. Please make sure that we are aware of any student that shouldn’t participate because of health/skin sensitivity/allergy issues. (Most appropriate for grade levels 3-5.)
Lesson Time: 70-85 minutes
Student Activity 1: This activity has students simulate the spread of a cold virus through a group of people.
Adult Demonstration: The adult presenting the lesson will demonstrate what will happen in Student Activity 2 first.
Student Activity 2: In this activity our volunteer will put a small amount of Glo-Germ in the students’ hands. After rubbing their hands together, we will turn out the lights, and shine a black light onto the “germs” on their hands. During a second trip around the room, the Wizard will put a small amount of hand sanitizer in each student’s hand. Again, we will shine the black light and see less of those nasty “germs”.
Group work: Students will work in groups of 3-4 students. In order to save time, teachers are asked to create the groups before our Wizard arrives.
Science Standards:
5.LS.1: Organisms perform a variety of roles in an ecosystem.
Please see the Nature of Science document on our Lesson Standards page.
Critical Technology Connections:
The "Virus Invasion" lesson highlights the crucial role of Biotechnology in combating viral threats, a key concern for the DoD. By showcasing the work of biotechnology engineers and epidemiologists in developing vaccines, the lesson directly connects to the DoD's interest in medical countermeasures and biodefense. The simplified virus spread activity further emphasizes the importance of hygiene and disease prevention, which are essential for maintaining military readiness and protecting populations from biological threats.