Bacteria Race Game

An interactive board‐game activity where students simulate how hygiene choices and environmental factors speed up or slow down bacterial growth—leading to body odor.

Objective: Help students model how everyday choices (like washing or applying deodorant) affect bacterial growth and body odor formation.

### Materials
- Printed game board with 20 spaces from “Start (Clean Zone)” to “Finish (Odor Zone)”
- Game piece for each group (coins, buttons, or small tokens)
- Scenario cards (see below), cut and shuffled
- One six‐sided die (optional) or simply draw cards each turn
- Timer (optional for turn limits)

### Setup
1. Place the game board in the center of each group.
2. Each group chooses a game piece and places it on the “Start” space.
3. Shuffle the scenario cards face down into a stack.

### Rules
1. Groups take turns in clockwise order.
2. On your turn: draw the top scenario card, read it aloud, and move your piece forward or backward as instructed.
3. After moving, place the card in a discard pile—no replacement.
4. The first group whose piece reaches or passes the 20th space, the “Finish (Odor Zone),” wins!

### Scenario Cards
(Print each on its own card; shuffle before play.)
1. “You forgot to dry your underarms. Damp skin lets bacteria thrive.” Move forward 2 spaces.
2. “You applied deodorant. Bacteria struggle to grow.” Move back 3 spaces.
3. “Hot, humid weather speeds bacterial growth.” Move forward 1 space.
4. “You took a shower and washed with soap.” Move back 4 spaces.
5. “You didn’t shower for several days. Bacteria multiply quickly.” Move forward 3 spaces.
6. “You wear clean clothes every day, reducing bacteria habitat.” Move back 2 spaces.
7. “Excess salt in sweat can inhibit some bacteria.” Move back 1 space.
8. “You spilled extra sweat in your armpit—bacteria feast!” Move forward 2 spaces.
9. “You use antibacterial wipes on underarms.” Move back 3 spaces.
10. “You use scented deodorant—masking odor but not killing bacteria.” Move forward 1 space.
11. “You keep underarms dry with a towel.” Move back 2 spaces.
12. “You skip deodorant but shower daily.” Move back 2 spaces.

### Debrief Questions
1. Which cards sped you toward the “Odor Zone,” and why did those actions help bacteria grow?


2. Which cards moved you away from the “Odor Zone,” and how do those actions reduce bacterial activity?


3. How can this game help you make healthy hygiene choices in real life?

Deodorant Comparison Chart

Use this chart to record your observations as you test each deodorant sample. Note scent, texture, how well it masks odor, and any ingredients you recognize.

| Deodorant Brand/Type | Scent Description | Texture (Solid/Gel/Spray) | Odor Coverage (1 = Low, 5 = High) | Skin Feel (Dry, Sticky, Smooth) | Key Ingredients (if listed) | Comments |
|----------------------|--------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------|----------|
| 1. | | | | | | |
| 2. | | | | | | |
| 3. | | | | | | |
| 4. | | | | | | |

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## Reflection Questions

1. Which deodorant had the strongest or most pleasing scent? Why?





2. Which texture did you like best? How did it feel on your skin?





3. Which product provided the best odor coverage? Describe how you decided.





4. Did you notice any ingredients that might help kill bacteria or absorb sweat? List them.





5. Based on your observations, which deodorant would you recommend to your classmates? Explain your choice.

Personal Care Reflection

Take a few quiet moments to think about what you’ve learned today. Write your answers in the spaces below.

1. Which personal care habits do you already do every day? (e.g., shower, brush teeth, use deodorant)

1. Which habit makes you feel most fresh and confident? Why?

1. One new hygiene habit I will try this week is:

1. To help me remember this new habit, I will:

1. My reward for sticking to good hygiene all week will be:

Great work reflecting! Keep this sheet somewhere you can see it each day to stay on track with your personal care goals.