A Germ Experiment: Preventative Health Care

Flu season is in full swing across the United States.  "In fact everywhere on Earth, where people have a winter season, they also have a flu season." (Popular Science, January 2013).  There are many theories for this. One popular and studied theory is that the virus survives better and transmits more easily in cooler, drier air.  We discussed pathogens like bacteria and virus and talked about how they are transmitted.  We learned that one way the flu virus is passed is by touching a surface with the flu virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.  Then we decided to complete an experiment to see if hand-washing and the use of hand sanitizers made a difference in spreading these microorganisms.

Students passed around a potato for two minutes.  Group 1 handled the potato without washing their hands or using hand sanitizer. They carefully passed the potato from person to person without dropping it.

Group 2 did not wash their hands.  They used hand sanitizer and rubbed their hands together. Then, they handled the potato and passed the potato carefully for 2 minutes.

Group 3 washed their hands with warm water and soap.  Then, they handled the potato and passed the potato carefully for 2 minutes.

Group 4 washed their hands with cold water and soap.  Then, they handled the potato and passed the potato carefully for 2 minutes.

We set aside a control potato.  This potato was not handled at all.  

We will continue to monitor our potatoes and keep track of changes that occur over the next 30 days.