A demonstration of how fast germs can be spread

The H1N1 flu (swine flu) continues to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. The virus was first detected in humans in the United States in April. Since then, the virus continues to spread from person to person here in America. By using a few ingredients from around the house, you can see how quickly germs can spread.

Materials

* Cooked white rice

* Large bowl

Instructions

STEP 1: Fill the large bowl with the cooked white rice.

STEP 2: Place your hands into the bowl of cooked white rice.

STEP 3: Remove your hands and then shake hands with someone else. Touch the doorknob, the remote, and other household items.

Explanation

Pretend each piece of the cooked white rice is a germ. When you shook hands with the other person you left behind some rice "germs." When you touched the doorknob, remote and other household items you left behind some rice "germs." This experiment shows you visually how germs are easily passed from person to person.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website Hooked On Science at hooked onscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@hookedonscience.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.