Germ Guessing Game Instructions

Description: Students will work in pairs to predict which everyday objects harbor the most germs. This interactive warm-up sparks curiosity about unseen microbes and sets the stage for discussing how hygiene habits keep us healthy.

Materials:

• Cards or slips with the name (and image) of each object below
• (Optional) Small whiteboards or paper for each pair

Objects to Guess:

1. Smartphone
2. Computer Keyboard
3. Classroom Door Handle
4. Lunch Table Surface
5. Toothbrush Holder

Steps (5 minutes):

1. Divide students into pairs and hand each pair the list of object cards.
2. Ask each pair to rank the objects from most to least germs. They can write or draw their ranking.
3. After 2 minutes, invite pairs to share their top guess for the germiest item.
4. Reveal approximate germ counts (for teacher reference):
   • Smartphone: ~17,000 germs per square inch
   • Lunch Table Surface: ~5,000 germs per square inch
   • Computer Keyboard: ~3,000 germs per square inch
   • Toothbrush Holder: ~2,000 germs per square inch
   • Classroom Door Handle: ~1,000 germs per square inch
5. Discuss as a class:
   • Why do phones have so many germs?
   • What habits could lead to fewer germs on these objects?

This activity introduces the idea that germs are everywhere and leads naturally into our lesson on proper hygiene habits!

Clean vs. Unclean Talk

Discussion Purpose

Help students practice identifying healthy (clean) and risky (unclean) behaviors in everyday situations, and understand why certain habits keep us safe.

Discussion Guidelines

• Listen respectfully to each other’s ideas.
• Speak clearly and use full sentences.
• Give reasons for your choices ("I think this is clean because…").
• Be open to changing your mind when you hear new information.

How to Do This Activity

1. Organize into small groups of 3–4 students.
2. Each group receives a set of Scenario Cards (teacher-prepared).
3. For each scenario, discuss and decide:
   • Is this behavior Clean or Unclean?
   • Why did you choose that?
   • How could we make an unclean scenario clean?
4. Record your answers on your paper or whiteboard.
5. A spokesperson from each group will share one scenario and your group’s reasoning with the class.

Scenario Examples

1. Sneezing into your hands
   • Clean or Unclean?
   • Why?
2. Sneezing into your elbow
   • Clean or Unclean?
   • Why?
3. Sharing a friend’s water bottle
   • Clean or Unclean?
   • Why?
4. Washing hands before eating lunch
   • Clean or Unclean?
   • Why?
5. Wearing the same socks for three days in a row
   • Clean or Unclean?
   • Why?

Follow-Up Questions

• How do germs spread in each scenario?
• Which clean habits would help stop germs?
• What is one new habit you can start today to stay cleaner?

After discussion, students can complete My Daily Hygiene Tracker to practice their new clean habit.

My Daily Hygiene Tracker

Use this tracker to record your hygiene habits throughout the day. Check off each task and add any notes. Be honest with your answers!

Morning Routine

• Brush teeth (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  
• Wash face and hands (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  
• Comb hair (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  
• Put on clean clothes (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  

School-Day Routine

• Wash hands before eating (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  
• Cover coughs or sneezes with elbow (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  
• Use hand sanitizer after recess (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  

Evening Routine

• Brush teeth before bed (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  
• Take a shower or bath (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  
• Change into clean pajamas (Did I do it? Yes  No ):
  _______________________________________________________
  
  
  

Reflection Questions

1. Which hygiene habit was easiest for me today, and why?

1. Which habit was most challenging, and what can I do to improve?

1. My personal hygiene goal for tomorrow is:

Keep this tracker somewhere you can see it, and try to improve one habit each day!

Reflection Exit Ticket

Please answer the question below before you leave:

Which hygiene habit will you focus on improving and why?