- Jocelyn T.
- Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Bacteria and viruses are everywhere, however, with the help of science, we can all learn to stay healthy and safe, while also protecting others in our communities!
Science is a significant part of education and helps with the development of logic and problem -solving skills. One branch of science is Virology, the study of viruses. Virology is a branch of microbiology, the study of microorganisms that include viruses, bacteria, and some fungi. The primary reason for the study of viruses is that they cause many infectious diseases, among them the common cold, influenza, rabies, measles, many forms of diarrhea, hepatitis, Dengue fever, yellow fever, polio, smallpox, AIDS and the Covid-19 disease. In this experiment, you will follow directions and learn how important it is to protect yourself from viruses by washing your hands.
Activity Created by Zsuzsa Czakone | North Main Associate
Materials Needed:
- Paper Towel
- Permanent Marker
- Washable Marker
- Virus Shapes (Included Below!)
- Plate
- A Bit of Water
Instructions:
- Fold the paper towel in half.
- Trace your child's hand using a permanent marker onto a folder paper towel. Make sure to cover your workspace so that the permanent marker doesn't stain the table.
- Trace over the handprint, once more, to make sure that it bleeds through to the paper towel underneath.
- Open the paper towel, and you should have two traced hands! Use the "virus shapes" guide to draw some viruses onto the "hands" using the washable marker.
- Add warm water to a plate that is large enough to cover both of the traced hands.
- Place the paper towel in the water and watch the viruses "disappear" from "your hands."
- See how important it is to wash your hands? Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading viruses to others!
Interested in more information? Take a look at these past blog posts:
- Comforting Titles for Anxious Children & Teens
- Read All About It: Worry & Anxiety
- #RelyonReal for the COVID-19 Vaccine
- DHEC's Dr. Kelly Answers Your COVID-19 Vaccine Questions
Looking for more fun and educational activities?
- Browse our Learning Activities designed to help children and families learn, create and share from wherever they are!
- Check out our For Educators and Caregivers page to see everything the library offers for students, families and teachers.