This article is part of the following topics: Health & Fitness Learning at Home Science
Show Kids Why Washing Hands Is Important
“Wash your hands before you come to the table.” Parents have been saying that for generations. Here’s a science experiment that will make your kids want to wash their hands.
You’ll need three potatoes and three clean jars with lids.
Peel the potatoes and boil them for four or five minutes—just enough time to sterilize them, not cook them.
Remove one of the potatoes from the boiling water, using tongs. Place it immediately in a jar and put the lid on. Label this, “Boiled, Not Touched.”
Set the two other potatoes on a plate so they can cool. When they are cool enough to handle, have your child pick up the potato and handle it. Pass it back and forth between you. Then put this potato in a jar labeled “Boiled, Well Handled.”
Now have everyone wash their hands thoroughly. Pick up the third potato. Do just what you did with the second, then put it in a jar labeled, “Boiled, Well Handled, Clean Hands.”
Let all three containers sit in a shady spot for a week or so. Each day, have your child record what she sees in each jar. Don’t be surprised if she comes to the table with clean hands...without any reminding!
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Posted by - debbie on Mar. 01, 2009
Excellent idea!! And so-o-o easy to carry out. I can't wait to try it with my after school group!