Teaching Germs and Handwashing in School

Students remember what they can see. The most reliable way to teach germs and handwashing is to make the invisible visible: introduce germs, show how they spread with a simulated-germ activity under UV light, teach the 20-second handwash, practise it, then check the results under the lamp. This guide gives a lesson flow for K to 8, curriculum links and free worksheets.

Why is handwashing hard to teach?

Germs are invisible, so students have nothing to look at. Posters and talks fade quickly, and a child who washes "as usual" has no way to know what was missed. A simulated germ that glows under UV light fixes that by turning the lesson into something they can check for themselves. For how this compares with other methods, see UV germ training vs other hand hygiene training methods.

What does the curriculum expect?

Health curricula across Canada include hygiene and preventing the spread of illness. Two Ontario examples, as cited in a public health teaching tool:

• Ontario Kindergarten Program (2016), 6.3: "practise and discuss appropriate personal hygiene that promotes personal, family and community health"
• Ontario Grade 1 Health and Physical Education (2019), D2.5: "demonstrate an understanding of and apply proper hygienic procedures for protecting their own health and preventing the transmission of disease to others"

Source: Niagara Region Public Health handwashing and germs teaching tool. For other provinces and territories, check your own curriculum documents for the expectations that apply to your grade.

What is a simple lesson flow for teaching handwashing?

1. Introduce germs. Ask what students already know. A plush germ from Giant Microbes works as an optional "meet the germ" prop.
2. See the spread. Run The Handshake Chain so students watch simulated germs pass from hand to hand.
3. Learn the technique. Teach the 20-second wash with soap and water. See how to handwash, step by step.
4. Practise. Students apply gel, wash, and try again.
5. Check under UV. How Well Did We Wash? shows the thumbs, fingertips and gaps between fingers that were missed.

Which activities fit which grades?

Grade band	Activity	Time
K to 2	The Handshake Chain, How Well Did We Wash? (to Grade 3)	15 and 20 min
3 to 5	Germ Detective: Surface Trail (Grades 2 to 5)	30 min
6 to 8	The Glove Challenge (Grades 5 to 8), Quick Rinse vs 20-Second Wash (Grades 4 to 8)	25 and 40 min

Free printable worksheets for Kindergarten to Grade 6 in English, French and Spanish pair with these activities.

When should you teach handwashing?

Good moments include back-to-school, before cold and flu season, before class events and field trips, and after breaks. A short UV check takes 15 to 20 minutes.

What do you need to teach it with Glo Germ?

A UV lamp, plus gel for hands and powder for surfaces. For most classrooms, Kit 1004 is the fit, Kit 1007 suits larger groups or school-wide use, and the Premium Mini Kit suits a small group. See the best germ kit for schools for a chooser. Schools can order with a purchase order, and pricing is the same for all customers.

Can you run it school-wide?

Yes. The UV lamp is reusable, so classes can take turns. A health fair or assembly can use the same kit. Glo Germ is a teaching tool that shows and teaches. It does not kill germs or disinfect.

Frequently asked questions