The children often hear from their teachers throughout the day, “Children, please wash your hands well. Did you use soap?”
It makes them wonder:
Why is it important to use soap? Why is washing with water not enough?
Welcome to the world of germs!
Our little special agents have been learning to identify the key differences between viruses and bacteria. It deepens their understanding on the impact of COVID-19 as a highly infectious virus without a vaccine or cure.
They conducted an experiment to help them visualize the impact of soap. They added some glitter into the bowl as ‘germs’.
Watch the magic happen after they dip their soap-coated finger into the bowl!
What is the science behind it?
Soap molecules have dual properties at opposite ends (polar and non-polar).
This quality of soap helps us to get rid of dirt and oil on our hands. The structure of viruses (such as coronovirus and flu) is encoded by RNA (a coat of fat and protein). Soap further breaks down the chemical bonds on these viruses.
This experiment mimics how dirt and germs are removed from our hands with soap. Hence, it is important to wash well for at least 30 seconds to remove them!
Follow these 8 steps to clean hands:
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Palm to palm
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Between fingers
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Back of hands
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Base of thumbs
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Back of fingers
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Fingernails
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Wrists
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Rinse and wipe dry
Stay clean, stay safe, stay healthy!
