Aim: What do we need to stay HEALTHY?

Germs are Everywhere!!!

In this unit of study, students will learn there are lots of things you can do to stay healthy and what we can do to protect our body. 

      
Germs are viral, bacterial, or fungal and some can remain active on most surfaces for several days.




    
  
Germs live everywhere. 
You can find germs (microbes) in the air; on food, plants and animals; in soil and water — on just about every other surface, including your body. 
Most germs won't harm you.  However, some germs are formidable adversaries because they're constantly mutating to breach your immune system's defenses.

  
 

Growing Bacteria in Petri Dishes

We took samples around the school to see what bacteria will grow in an agar-filled Petri dish.

Just how many germs are on your hands?  

We're estimated to have around 1,500 bacteria living on each square centimeter of skin on our hands.
 

  

 

Steps:

1. Leave the bacteria to develop for 4-6 days, as this will give the cultures enough time to grow.

    2. Prepare a small sample of agar in the petri dish as directed on its package. ...

    3. Rub the swab containing your sample onto the prepared agar and close the petri dish.

    4. Place your petri dishes in an out-of-the way spot, out of direct light. ...

    5. Examine your petri dishes as growth begins to appear.

* Swiped on cell phone, bathroom, classroom doorknob, and staircase railing 

  
  

Hand washing is Important to fight Germs and Diseases!

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (about the length of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
• Scrub vigorously, using friction to cover all the surfaces of the hands and fingers.
• If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol.