Making snot
Snot is simply mucus that is produced by a special membrane in the nose. The purpose of snot is to trap dust particles, germs and pollen that are inhaled and to prevent them from getting into the lungs. As disgusting as it might sound, making snot is a fun activity (for most students) to engage them and get them thinking about what snot actually is and why the body makes it.
In this activity, students are hooked into ideas about immunity by making fake snot. Students discover what snot is and how it is an important part of the body’s defence against infection.
What is snot?
Dr Joanna Kirman talks about snot. Although it seems disgusting, we learn snot is actually a good thing and is one of our weapons to fight disease.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
explain what mucus (snot) is and how it’s an important part of the body’s defence against infection
discuss how/why scientists use models to explain science concepts.
Examples of fake snot
Use common materials to make fake snot. It is an engaging introduction to one of the human body's defence systems. It is also an ideal way to explore models in science.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
fake snot recipes.
Related content
Once pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms get past your skin (part of your first line of defence), they get into your body, your bloodstream and your cells. At this point, your immune system (your second line of defence) kicks in and fights back to destroy the pathogens causing infection.
