Two weeks ago, Year Two set up a very interesting bread experiment to explore how handwashing helps keep us healthy. We wanted to find out how germs affect the food we touch and what difference clean hands can make.
We compared three slices of bread:
- One untouched control slice (straight from the packet)
- One slice passed around the class before washing hands
- One slice passed around the class after washing hands
When we checked back after two weeks, the children were amazed by what they saw. The dirty hands bread had grown the most mould, the control bread had a few small patches, and the clean hands bread looked the best of all. Exactly what the children predicted!
“The dirty one was covered in green and black bits – it looked disgusting!” – Elsie
“That shows how many germs are on our hands if we don’t wash them.” – George
“The clean bread looked the best. Washing with soap really works!” – Jolyon
Staying Safe
From our experiment, we learned that germs are tiny and invisible but can easily spread and make us ill. By washing our hands properly, covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze and keeping things clean, we can help stop germs from spreading – just like Florence Nightingale taught.
Help at Home
Here are some ways the children can keep practising good hygiene at home:
- Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds – try singing Happy Birthday twice!
- Always wash hands before eating and after using the toilet or playing outside.
- Use tissues to catch sneezes and coughs, then bin them straight away.
- Help keep your room or toys tidy and clean to reduce germs.
Year Two were brilliant scientists throughout this experiment – observing carefully, making predictions, and discussing what they had learned. What a wonderful way to finish our first half-term in Year Two.