Glitter Germ Experiment

As cold and flu season approaches, I like to add some activities that teach the kids why proper handwashing and other hygiene practices are important. The Glitter Germ Experiment helps kids actually see the “germs” and gives them a more concrete understanding of how handwashing and germ prevention work.

It can be hard for smaller children to understand that germs are everywhere, even though you can’t see them!

Do you think this experiment is cool? I have more on this list of Health and Hygiene for Kids.

It’s always fun to do hands-on learning activities with the kids. Not only do they teach them to be forward-thinking and help with analytical skills, but they also help them learn to process and research.

And since kids are fascinated by touching all the things, learning about germs seems like a great idea!

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Recommended Books About Germs

Want to learn more about germs? Head to your library to read one of these germ books to stress the importance of washing your hands to your kids.

You can read these books with the kids or have them work through the pages on their own. Either way, they’ll enjoy the topics!

What are Germs? (Very First Lift-the-Flap Questions & Answers)Germs vs. Soap: A Silly Hygiene Book about Washing Hands! (Hilarious Hygiene Battle 1)Germs, YUK!: Interactive Germ Book for Preschool & Toddler Children Ages 2-5 | Hand Washing Book for KidsRhyming Book for KidsI Don’t Want to Wash My Hands!The Secret Life of Viruses: Incredible Science Facts about Germs, Vaccines, and What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

 

There are only four ingredients to start exploring how germs work. We really want to emphasize that even though we can’t see them, they are, in fact, germs everywhere.

On doorknobs, light switches, and table tops.

If you like this activity, check out my list of Healthy Body Activities for Preschoolers to get more ideas on what activities are perfect when teaching kids about living a healthy lifestyle.

>>Get more simple homeschool science experiments!

Glitter Germ Experiment Supplies

All you need to complete this simple STEM experiment is listed below. It couldn’t be easier to do!

• A shallow dish
• Water
• Blue dish soap
• Glitter

  

Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Original Scent, 8 ozSlime Supplies Glitter Powder Sequins for Slime,Arts Crafts Extra Solvent Resistant Glitter Powder Shakers,Bulk Acrylic Polyester Craft Supplies Glitter Loose Eyeshadow,Assorted Colors,12 Pack GlitterCreative Arts by Charles Leonard Glitter, 16 Ounce Bottle, Silver (41145)

 

Alternatives to glitter

If you’d rather not break out the glitter because it’s such a giant mess or you don’t have it around the house, you can substitute edible food glitter, cocoa powder, or pepper. You just want to ensure no one touches their eyes with the last one.

Glitter Germ Experiment Directions

Pour water into the shallow dish nearly to the edge.

Sprinkle glitter generously over the surface.

We did this experiment in two ways: squirting soap directly into a mass of glitter floating on the water and coating a finger in soap and trying to touch the “germs.”

Adding glitter to their hands stimulates hand washing, so kids can learn how to properly wash their hands to get rid of germs.

The coolest thing that really catches the kids interest is how when soap is added to the water the germs (glitter) quickly moves away. The more soap the faster the reaction.

This fun simple experiment can be done over and over.

Next, we went to the sink and practiced good handwashing practices

Using soap not just water, rubbing between fingers, all the way to the wrist and making sure it was long enough. We sing our ABC’s twice as we wash to make sure that they are nice and clean so that all of the germs and bacteria get washed off.

We encourage you to read our Health Books for Kids blog post. We have there some books that we highly recommend if you want to educate your kids about healthy living.

      

 

Fun Germ Kits and Toys

Explore germs and bacteria and even more when you have your own microscope. Or enjoy a germ plushie toy to cuddle with. They come in many shapes and sizes.

The Magic School Bus: The World of GermsOmano JuniorScope Microscope for Kids Microscope Science Kits for Kids Science Experiment KitsGIANTmicrobes Themed Gift Box – Plagues from HistoryGIANTmicrobes Plush Common Cold MicrobesTeacher Created Resources Germ Tracker TCR20362Galt Toys, Horrible Science – Germ Attack The Game, Science Board Game for Kids, Ages 8 Years Plus

 

Some questions to ask about the germs science experiment?

What is a germ?
How do they get on your hands?
How do you get them off?
Why do I need to wash my hands?
What does a germ look like?
Are all germs bad?

Find some videos to see what germs look like and how humans have to use microscopes to see them because they’re so small.

Talk about different illnesses that can be caused by bacteria such as colds, strep infections, E. coli, and salmonella.

I like food examples because they tell them that germs surround us. But we cook our meat thoroughly to ensure we kill the bacteria so we can have dinner. And if food isn’t cooked properly, that’s who we get food poisoning.

It’s important to let our kids know that there are good and bad bacteria and each one has a job to do.

There are good bacteria in our bodies that help us. They’re also in yogurt, and we eat them, and they don’t harm us.

To emphasize how important it is to wash your hands, grab these printable hand washing posters to remind kids how often to wash their hands and to ensure it is done properly.

The poster shows important times when kids may have dirty hands so that they learn to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer if water is not available after these times.

Do I have to use glitter for this activity?

I get it. Glitter can be a huge mess in the house. Trust me – I know. But for this activity to work really well, glitter shows the steps the best.

Talk to the kids about not making a mess with the glitter, or you can try methods to keep it mess-free.

If it’s a nice day, head outside so that it doesn’t matter as much if the glitter goes all willy-nilly.

You can also lay down newspaper so that there is a catch-all for the glitter as well. Then you can just ball up the newspaper and toss it in the trash!

Learning with glitter doesn’t have to be horrible as long as there is a plan on how to contain it!

Try these Firefighter Activities for Kids, too! They’re perfect for kids who are very fond of being a firefighter.

More Germ Activities

Learn more about germs with these activities. This is just a short list of ideas, but the kids will have so much fun with them!

• Fighting germs printable cards
• Hacks to Get Kids to Wash Their Hands by A Little Pinch of Perfect
• Learn All About Germs Through Picture Books! by Artsy Momma

More Health Activities

Dive deeper into health by teaching your kids healthy habits to set them up for success for life.

I love having a mixture of learning activities for the kids. Since kids learn in all different ways, this gives them a chance to find the way that works best for them.

• Health Activities for Preschoolers
• Healthy and Unhealthy Food Activities for Kindergarten
• Personal Hygiene Worksheets for Kids
• Healthy and Unhealthy Food Sorting Worksheet
• Health Books for Kids
• Dental Health Books for Kindergarten
• Yoga Poses Printable
• Healthy Meal Planning with Kids Activity by STEAMsational