Teacher's Script: Sanitizer Savvy

Part 1: Warm-Up & Introduction (5 minutes)

(Display Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck - Slide 1)

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're diving into a fascinating field called economic botany. Has anyone heard of it before? What do you think it might mean?"

"That's right! Economic botany is all about how humans use plants to make products that benefit our lives – from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, and even the medicines we rely on."

"Think about your daily routine. Can you name some products you use that you suspect might come from plants? Don't be shy, any ideas?"

"Fantastic examples! We often don't realize just how much we depend on the plant kingdom. Today, we're going to explore this concept with a very relevant and practical project: we're going to make our own hand sanitizer right here in class!"

"By the end of this lesson, you will understand the plant-derived ingredients in hand sanitizer and successfully create your own. Sound exciting? Let's get started!"

Part 2: Exploring Ingredients (10 minutes)

(Display Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck - Slide 2)

"First, let's break down what makes hand sanitizer effective. What are the main components you think are in most hand sanitizers?"

"Excellent guesses! You're spot on. The three main components are usually: a germ-killing agent, a moisturizer, and often something for scent or an extra boost. And guess what? Many of these come from plants!"

"Take out your Botanical Blend Worksheet. As we go through the next few slides, I want you to fill in the information about each ingredient."

(Display Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck - Slide 3)

"Our first ingredient, and arguably the most important, is alcohol. This is our primary germ-fighter. The alcohol we use in hand sanitizer, typically isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, is often derived from the fermentation of plants like corn or sugarcane. It works by breaking down the outer layers of bacteria and viruses, essentially destroying them."

"Why do you think there's such a high 'economic value' in producing alcohol from plants? Think about its uses beyond just hand sanitizer."

"Precisely! It's used in medicine, industry, fuel, and many consumer products, making it a hugely important plant-derived commodity."

(Display Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck - Slide 4)

"Next up, to counteract the drying effect of alcohol, we have aloe vera. Where does aloe vera come from?"

"That's right, from the gel inside the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis miller plant. It's fantastic for soothing and moisturizing skin. Many of you might have used it for sunburns or skin irritations. Its ability to keep our skin healthy adds significant economic value to this plant."

(Display Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"Finally, for a pleasant scent and sometimes an extra boost of antimicrobial properties, we can add essential oils. These are concentrated liquids extracted from various parts of plants – leaves, flowers, bark, or fruit peels."

"For example, lavender oil comes from the lavender plant, and tea tree oil comes from the tea tree plant. Beyond just smelling good, some essential oils, like tea tree, have natural antiseptic qualities."

"Any questions about these amazing plant-derived ingredients?"

Part 3: Hand Sanitizer Creation Activity (10 minutes)

(Display Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"Before we get hands-on, let's talk safety. Please pay close attention to these important precautions, as we'll be working with isopropyl alcohol."

"(Read through each point on the slide clearly and firmly, ensuring students understand the dangers of flammability, eye contact, and ingestion. Emphasize that you, the teacher, will be supervising closely.)"

"Now, let's get ready to make our own botanical blends! Please get into your assigned groups. Each group will receive a Hand Sanitizer Creation Activity Guide with detailed instructions. You'll also have your Botanical Blend Worksheet to record your observations."

(Display Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck - Slide 7)

"Here are the general steps for our activity. Your activity guide has the precise measurements and details. Remember to measure carefully!"

"(Briefly go over the steps on the slide. Circulate among groups, providing assistance, ensuring safety, and prompting students to fill out their worksheets as they proceed. Emphasize the importance of correct ratios for effectiveness.)"

Part 4: Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 minutes)

(Display Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck - Slide 8)

"Alright, class, bring it back together. I hope you enjoyed creating your own hand sanitizer! Let's take a few minutes to reflect."

"What did you observe during the mixing process? Did you notice anything about the consistency or smell?"

"Based on what we discussed, which plant-derived ingredient do you think was the most crucial for the sanitizer's effectiveness, and why?"

"Today, we've seen economic botany in action. You've learned how valuable plant resources are and how they contribute to products we use for health and hygiene."

"As an exit ticket, please complete the Cool Down Reflection on your way out. You can also turn in your Botanical Blend Worksheet now."

"Thank you for an engaging and hands-on lesson! I hope you enjoy using your botanical blend hand sanitizer!"

Hand Sanitizer Creation Activity Guide

Objective: To create your own hand sanitizer while understanding the role of plant-derived ingredients.

Materials Needed (per group):

• Isopropyl alcohol (99%) - 2/3 cup
• Aloe vera gel - 1/3 cup
• Essential oil(s) of choice (e.g., lavender, tea tree) - 5-10 drops total
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cup and spoons
• Stirring stick or spoon
• Small empty bottle with a pump or squeeze top
• Botanical Blend Worksheet

Safety First!

• Adult supervision is required at all times.
• Isopropyl alcohol is flammable. Keep it away from any open flames, sparks, or heat sources.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid contact with eyes. If alcohol or sanitizer gets in your eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water for several minutes.
• Do NOT ingest any of the ingredients or the finished hand sanitizer. It is for external use only.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Station: Gather all your materials and ensure your workspace is clean and clear.

2. Measure Alcohol: Carefully measure 2/3 cup of 99% isopropyl alcohol and pour it into your mixing bowl. Remember, accuracy is key for effective sanitizer!

3. Measure Aloe Vera: Carefully measure 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel and add it to the bowl with the alcohol.

4. Mix Thoroughly: Use your stirring stick or spoon to mix the alcohol and aloe vera gel together. Stir for at least 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

5. Add Essential Oils (Optional): If desired, add 5-10 drops total of your chosen essential oil(s) to the mixture. Stir again gently to incorporate the oils.

   • Why essential oils? They add a pleasant scent and some, like tea tree oil, can even provide additional antimicrobial benefits!

6. Bottle Your Creation: Carefully pour your homemade hand sanitizer into your empty bottle. You may want to use a funnel to avoid spills.

7. Label Your Bottle: Create a label for your bottle with the following information:

   • Your Group Name / Your Name
   • "Hand Sanitizer"
   • Date created
   • List of main ingredients (Alcohol, Aloe Vera, Essential Oil - if used)

8. Complete Your Worksheet: Fill out the "Observations During Creation" and "Reflection" sections of your Botanical Blend Worksheet while your sanitizer settles.

Botanical Blend Worksheet: Hand Sanitizer

Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________

Part 1: Exploring Plant-Derived Ingredients

As we discuss each ingredient in hand sanitizer, fill in the blanks below. Refer to the Sanitizer Savvy Slide Deck for information.

Ingredient 1: Alcohol

1. What is the primary function of alcohol in hand sanitizer?
   
   
   
   

2. What are some common plant sources from which alcohol is derived for this purpose?
   
   
   
   

3. Why is alcohol considered to have high "economic value"?
   
   
   
   

Ingredient 2: Aloe Vera

4. From what part of the Aloe barbadensis miller plant is aloe vera gel extracted?
   
   
   
   

5. What is the main function of aloe vera in hand sanitizer?
   
   
   
   

6. Besides hand sanitizer, where else might you find aloe vera used?
   
   
   
   

Ingredient 3: Essential Oils (Optional, but commonly used)

7. How are essential oils obtained from plants?
   
   
   
   

8. What are two functions of essential oils in hand sanitizer?
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Observations During Creation

As you make your hand sanitizer, record your observations below.

9. Describe the appearance and consistency of the isopropyl alcohol before mixing.
   
   
   
   

10. Describe the appearance and consistency of the aloe vera gel before mixing.
    
    
    
    

11. What happened when you mixed the alcohol and aloe vera gel? Describe the final consistency of your sanitizer (before essential oils).
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

12. If you added essential oils, describe any change in scent or appearance.
    
    
    
    

Part 3: Reflection

13. What was the most interesting thing you learned about economic botany or the ingredients today?
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

14. How does understanding the plant origins of ingredients change your perspective on everyday products?
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Botanical Blend Worksheet Answer Key: Hand Sanitizer

Part 1: Exploring Plant-Derived Ingredients

Ingredient 1: Alcohol

1. What is the primary function of alcohol in hand sanitizer?

   • Thought Process: The lesson plan and slide deck emphasize alcohol as the primary germ-killing agent. Its role is to destroy bacteria and viruses.
   • Answer: The primary function of alcohol in hand sanitizer is to kill germs (bacteria and viruses) by denaturing their proteins and dissolving their lipids.

2. What are some common plant sources from which alcohol is derived for this purpose?

   • Thought Process: The slide deck specifically mentions fermentation of plants like corn and sugarcane.
   • Answer: Alcohol for hand sanitizer is often derived from the fermentation of plants such as corn, sugarcane, or other forms of biomass.

3. Why is alcohol considered to have high "economic value"?

   • Thought Process: The slide deck and script discuss the broad applications of alcohol beyond just hand sanitizer.
   • Answer: Alcohol has high economic value because it is in high demand and used across various sectors including medical, industrial, fuel, and other consumer products.

Ingredient 2: Aloe Vera

4. From what part of the Aloe barbadensis miller plant is aloe vera gel extracted?

   • Thought Process: The slide deck and script state that the gel is extracted from the leaves.
   • Answer: Aloe vera gel is extracted from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis miller plant.

5. What is the main function of aloe vera in hand sanitizer?

   • Thought Process: The lesson highlights aloe vera's role in counteracting the drying effect of alcohol.
   • Answer: The main function of aloe vera in hand sanitizer is to moisturize and soothe the skin, preventing it from drying out due to the alcohol.

6. Besides hand sanitizer, where else might you find aloe vera used?

   • Thought Process: The slide deck mentions cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and health products, and the script suggests students might have used it for sunburns.
   • Answer: Aloe vera is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, health products, and for soothing skin conditions like sunburns.

Ingredient 3: Essential Oils (Optional, but commonly used)

7. How are essential oils obtained from plants?

   • Thought Process: The slide deck explains they are concentrated liquids containing volatile aroma compounds from various plant parts.
   • Answer: Essential oils are obtained by extracting concentrated, volatile aroma compounds from various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, bark, or fruit peels.

8. What are two functions of essential oils in hand sanitizer?

   • Thought Process: The slides and script mention scent and potential antimicrobial properties.
   • Answer: Two functions of essential oils in hand sanitizer are to provide a pleasant scent and (for some oils like tea tree) to offer additional antimicrobial properties.

Part 2: Observations During Creation

Answers for this section will vary based on student observations. Below are examples of expected responses.

9. Describe the appearance and consistency of the isopropyl alcohol before mixing.

   • Expected Answer: Clear, colorless liquid; very thin, watery consistency; strong, distinct smell.

10. Describe the appearance and consistency of the aloe vera gel before mixing.

    • Expected Answer: Clear to slightly cloudy, somewhat viscous (thick, jelly-like) gel; might have a faint, clean smell.

11. What happened when you mixed the alcohol and aloe vera gel? Describe the final consistency of your sanitizer (before essential oils).

    • Expected Answer: The alcohol and aloe vera blended together. The mixture became clearer and less thick than the pure aloe vera, but still more viscous than pure alcohol. It should be a gel-like liquid that pours easily.

12. If you added essential oils, describe any change in scent or appearance.

    • Expected Answer: The mixture took on the scent of the essential oil(s) added. The appearance likely remained the same, or perhaps became slightly cloudy if a larger amount of oil was used.

Part 3: Reflection

Answers for this section will vary based on student reflection. Below are examples of possible responses.

13. What was the most interesting thing you learned about economic botany or the ingredients today?

    • Expected Answer: (Example) I found it interesting that alcohol, which is so common, comes from plants like corn. Or, I never realized how many steps it takes to get an essential oil from a plant.

14. How does understanding the plant origins of ingredients change your perspective on everyday products?

    • Expected Answer: (Example) It makes me think more about where things come from and how much we rely on natural resources. It also makes me appreciate plants more for all the different uses they have.

Cool Down Reflection: Botanical Blends

Name: ___________________________ Date: _____________

Exit Ticket: Reflecting on Plant Power

Please answer the following questions to summarize your learning from today's lesson on economic botany and hand sanitizer creation.

1. Name one plant-derived ingredient used in hand sanitizer and describe its primary function.
   
   
   
   

2. What is one important safety precaution you learned about when making hand sanitizer?
   
   
   
   

3. In your own words, explain how today's activity demonstrates the concept of "economic botany."
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What is one new question you have about plants, products, or economic botany after this lesson?