Monday, September 20, 2010

Germs - Science experiment

My family and I have really gotten into Mythbusters lately. It's this crazy show where the hosts try out the myths. The one we watched today showed them trying to beat a policeman's radar gun. Nothing worked just in case you were wondering.
They did one a little while ago about how colds spread. It was very creative. I have seen and taught this using glitter before (the janitors loved me the day we did this :) I put glitter on my hands and went around touching kids just like normal. Then we talked about how germs spread and looked at all the glitter around the classroom. I told the kids that it was germs and that they could now all get sick. It was fun but part way through the activity the kids began to wonder why there was glitter all over the classroom.
Mythbusters used a solution ( like black light paint) that only shows up in a black light. They rigged up a runny nose then hosted a party. 3 people at the party knew what was going on and were trying to not get the "germs" and 3 didn't so they just acted normal. They ended the party after about 30 minutes and told everyone what was going on and turned on the black light. They then hosted another party where the host avoided contact with his guests by having others pass out the supplies. The results were amazing but you'll have to try it to find out what happens.
I was thinking that you could do this with black light paint. It would be difficult to make an automatic runny nose so try applying it to you hands every once in a while and watch the germs spread. Host a small party and see what happens. Make sure you do everything else the same in both parties. If you have the cups stacked in one, have them stacked in the second. This is the control and will help you determine if it limiting contact with others when you are sick helps stop the spread of germs. Take pictures and record your results.
Do you think you could stop the germs from spreading if you avoid contact with others or are the germs going to spread no matter what?
Glow sticks might also work. Just remember don't stick your hands in or near your mouth. This stuff is not good to eat!! This is an older kids science experiment.

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