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Taking science by storm: Germs!

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Germs! They are everywhere and they can get us sick. But, the good news is we have lots of way to keep them away.

Definition: Germs are microorganisms, which can cause disease.

The types of germs include: bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa

The first defense we have against germs is soap! Washing your hands frequently is very important.

When to wash your hands:

  • before and after handling food or eating
  • after using the restroom
  • before and after treating a cut or wound
  • after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
  • after touching garbage

How to wash your hands, according to the CDC:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Experiment

What you need:

  • glow in the dark powder
  • lotion
  • black light

Instructions:

  1. Add 1 tsp of glow in the dark powder to 2 Tbsp lotion
  2. Mix
  3. Rub the lotion mixture into your hands
  4. Hover the black light over your hands and observe
  5. Wash your hands according to CDC guidelines
  6. Hover your clean hands under the black light again and observe

Hey kids! This is the first episode of Taking Science by Storm. Is there a science topic you would like to learn more about? Contact Alex at alex.obrien@koaa.com