Glitter Germ Truth

Purpose: To provide individuals with a visual example of how germs are spread and the importance of washing with soap and water.

Materials needed:
• A bottle of hand sanitizer
• Glitter (represents germs)
• Soap and water for handwashing

Instructions:
1. Squirt hand sanitizer in one volunteer’s hands.
2. Add some glitter on top of the sanitizer and have the volunteer rub their hands together until glitter covers hands.
3. Have that person go around the room and shake hands with others, touch doorknobs, surfaces, etc.
4. When everyone has been included, ask the group to find all of the places where the “glitter germs” have spread.
5. Discuss the importance of washing hands with soap and warm water in order to prevent the spread of germs, and then have all participants wash their hands appropriately to be glitter-free.

Adaptations: For a variation, give everyone in the group hand sanitizer with glitter and tell them to rub hands together. Have half a third of the group wipe hands only with a dry paper towel. Have a third of the group wash hands with only warm water. Have the final third of the group wash with warm water and soap. Compare the differences and notice what methods got rid of the most germs.

For additional activities on hygiene, click here.