Germs in the News


Whether it’s the Ebola virus or more commonplace “bugs,” we often hear about germs in the news.  Check out this selection of noteworthy news items.


Good Morning America goes into a classroom to see how quickly germs can spread.  (Our Glo-Germ powder makes a cameo appearance!)

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/photos/video-classroom-experiment-reveals-quickly-germs-spread-26755004

In November 2014, Dutch researchers reported that 10 seconds of kissing can translate into 80 million germs moving from one person to the other.

www.webmd.com/news/20141117/every-kiss-begins-with-80-million-germs

Dirt as a source for new antibiotics?  Huh?

http://mic.com/articles/108020/science-finally-answers-life-s-oldest-question-can-i-eat-food-i-dropped-on-the-ground

Researchers have learned that bacteria can “communicate” with chemical signals.

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150121083640.htm

What’s the germiest place in most homes?  That’s a good question… and the answers might surprise you and your students. 

www.webmd.com/women/home-health-and-safety-9/places-germs-hide


A Firsthand Lesson on Colds, Flu & Infectious Disease


Priscilla Robinson, Educational Innovationsby:  Priscilla Robinson

Talking about Infectious Disease

These days, it’s hard not to hear reports about the spread of infectious disease, from serious viruses like Ebola to the “common” cold.  There are ads for flu shots and cold remedies, nightly media coverage about rampant epidemics all over the world, and pundits predicting whether these contagious diseases might someday get to this country.

So how is this affecting your students?  Are they asking questions?  Are they anxious about where these germs may be lurking, and whether they or their families are in any danger?

As a teacher, I’ve found that the science classroom is the perfect environment to help students understand the world around them.

A few years ago, my students and I survived an outbreak of the Swine Flu.  So many kids were getting sick that our school had to establish a quarantine room to isolate ill students until their parents could pick them up.  During this time, I set up stringent hand-washing techniques for students (and myself), as well as protocols for disinfecting desks, chairs and door handles.  Ultimately, my students had a lower rate of absences than their peers, and I stayed healthy as well.

Below you’ll find two fun and engaging classroom activities related to infectious disease transmission and prevention.  Try them with your students! Read the rest of this entry »


Has The Swine Flu Affected Your School? | Glo Germ Lotion


Tami O'Connor, Educational Innovationsby: Tami O’Connor

Is swine flu spreading like wildfire in your community? In my hometown of Redding, Connecticut, the high school’s homecoming dance and the Halloween parties at the elementary school were both canceled. The middle school social was also postponed until flu season is officially behind us.

What better time than now to teach your students about the benefits of proper hand washing techniques and how diseases are actually transmitted from one person to another? Educational Innovations carries a full line of products designed to help you educate your students about germ transmission and how best to reduce the spread of harmful microbes. Let Educational Innovations help you to keep your students more mindful of easy things they can do to stay healthy.

Glo GermGlo Germ is a fantastic product which safely and graphically demonstrates to students and adults alike how germs are spread.

Used throughout the United States in schools, hospitals and food services, Glo Germ consists of an odorless lotion or powder which glows brightly when exposed to ultraviolet light. This product is perfect for your health curriculum. Read the rest of this entry »