Lesson Plan
Are You Really Clean Lesson Plan
Students will debunk common hygiene myths, learn science-backed facts, audit their personal routines, and commit to a healthier daily hygiene plan.
This lesson builds critical thinking about everyday health behaviors, empowers seniors with evidence-based hygiene practices, boosts self-confidence, and fosters lifelong wellness habits.
Audience
12th Grade
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive myth-busting, guided discussion, self-reflection, and personal commitment.
Materials
- Myth Busting Hygiene Slides, - Fact or Fiction Circle Discussion Guide, - Hygiene Routine Self-Audit Worksheet, - Commitment Card Template, - Projector And Screen, - Chart Paper And Markers, and - Student Devices (Optional)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the full Are You Really Clean Lesson Plan
- Familiarize yourself with the Myth Busting Hygiene Slides content and notes
- Print enough copies of the Hygiene Routine Self-Audit Worksheet and Commitment Card Template
- Prepare the Fact or Fiction Circle Discussion Guide for each small group (print or digital)
- Set up the room with projector, chart paper/markers, and seating for small-group discussions
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
5 minutes
- Welcome students and share the lesson’s objective
- Pose a quick poll: “How many times did you shower this week? Why?”
- Record responses on chart paper to spark curiosity and reveal preconceptions
Step 2
Myth Busting Presentation
15 minutes
- Present the Myth Busting Hygiene Slides
- After each myth, ask students to vote: Fact or Fiction
- Reveal the evidence-based answer, explaining the science behind it
- Invite brief questions or clarifications to ensure understanding
Step 3
Fact or Fiction Circle
15 minutes
- Divide into small groups (4–5 students each)
- Distribute the Fact or Fiction Circle Discussion Guide
- Each group reviews additional hygiene statements, classifying them as fact or fiction
- Rotate discussion prompts, and note the scientific rationale for each classification
- Teacher circulates to prompt deeper thinking and support all learners
Step 4
Hygiene Routine Self-Audit
10 minutes
- Hand out the Hygiene Routine Self-Audit Worksheet
- Students reflect individually on their daily hygiene habits, checking off routines and identifying gaps
- Encourage honest self-assessment and note-taking for improvement areas
Step 5
Share & Discussion
10 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share surprising audit findings or challenges
- Facilitate an open class discussion on overcoming barriers and improving habits
- Document key tips and strategies on chart paper for reference
Step 6
Cool-Down & Commitment
5 minutes
- Distribute the Commitment Card Template
- Students write one specific, measurable hygiene goal for the next week
- Encourage them to decorate and keep the card as a personal reminder
- Optionally, collect cards for follow-up or let students take them home
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Slide Deck
Myth Busting: Hygiene Edition
Welcome! Today we’ll test our assumptions about everyday hygiene. Get ready to vote Fact or Fiction on each statement.
Welcome students and introduce the purpose: debunk common hygiene myths using science. Explain interactive format: after each myth, students vote Fact or Fiction (raise cards, poll on devices, thumbs up/down).
How This Works
- I’ll display a hygiene statement (a myth).
- You vote: Fact or Fiction.
- We reveal the answer and discuss the science.
Explain voting mechanics and timelines. Encourage participation and respectful discussion. Remind students we’ll reveal the scientific evidence after each vote.
Myth #1
“You must shower every day to stay healthy.”
Vote: Fact or Fiction
Display Myth #1. Give 30 seconds for voting. After votes, reveal that daily showering for everyone isn’t necessary & may harm skin microbiome. Discuss factors like activity level and skin type.
Myth #1 Answer
Fiction!
• Over-showering can dry skin and disrupt healthy bacteria.
• Aim for 3–4 times/week unless you’re very active.
• Focus on key areas (underarms, feet).
After votes, explain: Fiction. Over-showering strips natural oils, disrupts skin microbiome, can lead to dryness or irritation. Shower frequency can vary by individual needs.
Myth #2
“Hand sanitizer works just as well as soap and water.”
Vote: Fact or Fiction
Introduce Myth #2. Students vote. Then reveal: soap and water remove germs better than hand sanitizer for many contaminants. Discuss proper technique.
Myth #2 Answer
Fiction!
• Soap and water remove oils and debris; sanitizer kills many but not all germs.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
After voting, explain: Fiction. Handwashing with soap mechanically removes dirt and pathogens; sanitizer is useful on the go but doesn’t eliminate all chemicals or heavy soils.
Myth #3
“You should brush your teeth immediately after every meal.”
Vote: Fact or Fiction
Present Myth #3. Let students vote. Reveal: brushing immediately after acidic foods can enamel damage; waiting 30 minutes is better. Discuss enamel health.
Myth #3 Answer
Fiction!
• Acidic meals soften enamel; brushing too soon causes abrasion.
• Rinse, wait 30 minutes, then brush gently.
After votes, explain: Fiction. Acidic foods soften enamel; brushing right away can wear it down. Wait 30 minutes, rinse with water, then brush.
Myth #4
“Deodorant stops you from sweating.”
Vote: Fact or Fiction
Show Myth #4. Students vote. Reveal: deodorant masks odor but doesn’t stop sweat (antiperspirant does). Explain difference between deodorant and antiperspirant.
Myth #4 Answer
Fiction!
• Deodorant controls odor; antiperspirant reduces sweating.
• Apply to clean, dry skin to be most effective.
After votes, clarify: Fiction. Deodorant neutralizes odor-causing bacteria; antiperspirant contains aluminum compounds that reduce sweat production.
Myth #5
“Antibacterial soap is better than regular soap.”
Vote: Fact or Fiction
Introduce Myth #5. Students vote. Then reveal: antibacterial soaps provide no additional benefit over regular soap, may promote resistance. Emphasize simple soap.
Myth #5 Answer
Fiction!
• Regular soap removes germs effectively.
• Antibacterial additives can foster resistant strains.
After votes, explain: Fiction. Regular soap and water work as well. Overuse of antibacterials can contribute to resistant microbes.
Key Takeaways
• Tailor your routine—one size doesn’t fit all.
• Soap and water trump quick fixes when possible.
• Timing and technique matter.
Any questions before we move on?
Summarize key takeaways and reinforce critical thinking. Remind students to apply evidence-based hygiene routines. Prompt questions.
Discussion
Fact or Fiction Circle Discussion Guide
Purpose
Students collaborate to classify common hygiene statements as Fact or Fiction, then justify their decisions using scientific reasoning. This activity deepens understanding of evidence-based personal hygiene.
Group Setup
- Group size: 4–5 students per circle
- Time: 15 minutes total
- Materials per group:
- Printed Fact or Fiction Circle Discussion Guide
- Pens or pencils
- Optional: chart paper/markers for note-taking
Instructions
- Arrange yourselves in a circle so everyone can see the guide.
- Assign one member as Reader, who reads the first statement aloud. Rotate this role each round.
- After hearing the statement, silently decide: is it Fact or Fiction? Mark your choice.
- Discuss as a group your reasoning:
- Which scientific principles or evidence support your choice?
- What myths or misconceptions might lead someone to the opposite view?
- Record the group’s consensus and key scientific points in the Rationale column.
- Move on to the next statement until all are classified.
- Prepare to share one interesting or surprising discussion point with the whole class.
Statements & Response Table
| # | Statement | Fact or Fiction? | Scientific Rationale (group notes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | “Using mouthwash replaces brushing your teeth.” | [ ] Fact [ ] Fiction | |
| 2 | “Washing your hair every day causes permanent hair loss.” | [ ] Fact [ ] Fiction | |
| 3 | “Antiperspirants are harmful to your health.” | [ ] Fact [ ] Fiction | |
| 4 | “Sharing bath towels spreads germs between users.” | [ ] Fact [ ] Fiction | |
| 5 | “If you don’t wear makeup, you don’t need to wash your face at night.” | [ ] Fact [ ] Fiction |
Prompts for Deeper Thinking
- How might skin type or environmental factors change your answer?
- What daily habits reinforce or counteract this statement?
- Can you think of any personal experiences or observations that support your choice?
Worksheet
Hygiene Routine Self-Audit Worksheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
Part 1: Self-Assessment Table
For each behavior below, check the box that best describes your usual routine. Then rate your consistency (1 = rarely, 5 = always).
| Hygiene Behavior | Frequency (check one) | Consistency Rating (1 – 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Shower or Bathe | [ ] Daily [ ] 3–4 times/week [ ] 1–2 times/week [ ] Rarely | ______ |
| Brush Teeth (with toothpaste) | [ ] Twice daily [ ] Once daily [ ] Few times/week [ ] Rarely | ______ |
| Flossing | [ ] Daily [ ] Few times/week [ ] Rarely | ______ |
| Hand Washing (before eating, after restroom) | [ ] Always [ ] Often [ ] Sometimes [ ] Rarely | ______ |
| Wash Face at Night | [ ] Always [ ] Often [ ] Sometimes [ ] Rarely | ______ |
| Hair Washing | [ ] Daily [ ] Every 2–3 days [ ] Weekly [ ] Rarely | ______ |
| Nail Care (trim/clean) | [ ] Weekly [ ] Monthly [ ] Rarely [ ] Never | ______ |
| Use Deodorant or Antiperspirant | [ ] Daily [ ] Often [ ] Sometimes [ ] Rarely | ______ |
| Change into Clean Clothes | [ ] Daily [ ] Every 2 days [ ] Less often | ______ |
Part 2: Reflection Questions
Answer each question thoughtfully. Use the space provided to write clearly.
- Which hygiene behaviors are you most consistent with? Why?
- Which areas need the most improvement? What challenges or barriers do you face?
- What specific changes can you make to overcome those barriers?
- Was there anything that surprised you about your self-audit? Explain.
Next Step: Goal Setting
Based on your audit and reflections above, complete a hygiene goal on your Commitment Card Template. Make sure your goal is specific, measurable, and achievable within the next week.
Good luck on your journey to an evidence-based, consistent hygiene routine!
Cool Down
Commitment Card Template
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
My Hygiene Goal
Write one specific, measurable hygiene goal to complete in the next week:
How I Will Measure Success
Describe how you’ll track your progress (e.g., daily checkbox, journal entry, reminder alarm):
Action Steps
List 2–3 concrete steps you will take to reach your goal:
-
-
- _________________________________
Why This Goal Matters
Explain why this habit is important for your health and confidence:
Decoration & Inspiration
Use this space to doodle, write a motivational quote, or add stickers to remind you of your commitment!