Spreading diseases
In this activity, students model how a virus spreads through a group.
Washing hands
Washing hands is an important part of preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
explain how viruses are spread
practise behaviours that limit the spreading of viruses (hand washing).
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student handout.
This activity works really well, and the kids love it.
Related content
Find out more about viruses and infections.
Activity ideas
The wars within is a great introduction to the immune system.
In Make an adenovirus students make a model of an adenovirus and investigate the different shapes of different viral diseases and the similarities and differences between viral families.
The unit plan Fighting infection – reducing infection, along with the Science Learning Hub suite of resources on Fighting infection, is designed to help primary school teachers improve students’ understanding of infection and how to prevent diseases from spreading.
Useful link
A study has found that a virus can spread around a whole building within two hours of coming into contact with just one surface.
