Little Scholars Workshop

In these extraordinary times, teaching children the importance of hygiene has never been more critical. Here’s a fun, simple, and educational STEM experiment that you can do at home with your preschooler or toddler to explain the importance of soap and germs. This interactive experiment will not only captivate your children’s attention but also educate them on how soap works to fight germs effectively. Let’s get started!

Materials Needed

– A bowl filled with water

– Ground black pepper

– Liquid dish soap

– A clean, dry finger (your child’s)

Lesson Plan

Step 1: Setting Up the Experiment

Talking Point: “We’re going to do a science experiment today to see how soap helps keep our hands clean from germs.”

1. Fill the bowl with water to about ¾ full.

2. Sprinkle a generous amount of ground black pepper evenly across the surface of the water.

Step 2: The Pepper/Germ Demonstration

Talking Point: “Look at the water now. The black pepper is like tiny germs that can be on our hands. Do you think we can get rid of these germs without soap?”

3. Ask your child to gently dip their clean, dry finger into the water. (The pepper will stick to the finger.)

Step 3: The Magic of Soap

Talking Point: “Now let’s see what happens when we use soap!”

4. Put a drop of liquid dish soap on your child’s fingertip.

5. Ask your child to dip the soapy fingertip into the water at the center of the bowl.

6. Explanation: “Wow! Did you see that? The pepper (germs) moved away from your finger! Soap helps to keep germs away.”

Explanation for Parents

Here’s a deeper look: When your child dipped their clean finger into the water, nothing happened except that the pepper stuck to it. But when they dipped their soapy finger in, the dish soap reduced the water’s surface tension, causing the pepper to quickly move to the edges of the bowl. This visual demonstration helps children understand how soap can effectively remove germs from their hands.

Post Discussion Questions:

1. What did you see happen when we first put your finger in the water with the pepper?

   – Guided Answer: “The pepper stuck to my finger!”

2. What happened when you dipped your soapy finger into the water?

   – Guided Answer: “The pepper moved away quickly!”

3. Why do you think soap is important when washing our hands?

   – Guided Answer: “Because it makes the germs go away!”

4. Can you remember to always use soap when you wash your hands?

Through this simple and engaging experiment, your child can visually and tangibly understand the power of soap in fighting against germs. This will instill a habit of hand-washing with soap, which is vital for good hygiene.

Enjoy this experiment with your little one and happy learning!