This lesson explores germs, where they exist, and how they can affect the body. It also deals with a possible misconception that students of all ages may have—that factors important to health are beyond their personal control. In learning about bacteria and germs, students will also learn about preventative measures they can take to stay healthy.
In this lesson, students will learn about some of the health habits that are essential for maintaining good health. Students will engage in both online and hands-on activities related to the topic of germs, learning that germs cause some (but not all) diseases. They will also learn the importance of handwashing for preventing the spread of germs, and thereby, the spread of disease.
This lesson helps young people understand the reasons that we bathe. The youth will take part in a demonstration that helps them visualize how germs are spread from person to person. Finally, they will practice proper hand-washing with soap.
Although making food is fun, it's important to know how to be safe. This means knowing when to get the help of an adult assistant, how to keep things clean, and how to use the kitchen safely.
This alignment results from the ALEX Health/PE COS Resource Alignment Summit.
Elementary-aged students learn to take responsibility for their own hygiene and self-care behaviors. Images of astronauts and space travel are ideal to engage the young learner in personal health content. This teaching technique is compatible with the National Health Education Standards One and Three. There are three lesson objectives. Students will: 1) Understand that germs spread infections, illness, and disease; 2) Identify practices that promote health and prevent disease; 3) Demonstrate good personal health habits including hand washing before eating and brushing teeth.
This free activity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will teach students the importance of washing their hands. In this activity, students will conduct an experiment on washing their hands. They will learn that “clean” hands may not be so clean after all and the critical importance of washing their hands as a way to prevent the spread of disease.