The teacher carried out the experiment by treating five different slices of bread in different ways.

In recent weeks there is a huge sense of health anxiety among the general public. Since Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has officially reached Irish shores parents (and children) are anxious about what that means for us all. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), much like Infuenza, is an airborne virus that can easily spread from person to person. The HSE are offering updates and advice to ensure that the spread of this virus is limited. One school in Dublin 9 remains closed for two weeks following reports that one of their students has been diagnosed with the virus.

This article is part of our #FamilyFun30 Challenge, where every day we set a simple, accessible and fun task to enjoy with your family. Check out the full list of challenges here and get involved!

According to the World Health Organization, one of the most important ways to avoid a virus like Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is to demonstrate proper hand washing. According to the WHO website

" Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why?Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. "

One teacher in Idaho wanted to show her students the importance of proper hand washing and we feel it could be a helpful resource for you and your children. The teacher's experiment uses a loaf of bread to demonstrate the spread of germs and bacteria.

Image Credit : Jaralee Annice Metcalf

The teacher carried out the experiment by treating five different slices of bread in different ways.

  1. The first slice of bread was untouched
  2. The second slice of bread was touched with dirty hands
  3. The third slice of bread was touched with hands that had been cleaned with soap and water
  4. The forth slice of bread was touched with hands that had been cleaned with just hand sanitizer
  5. The fifth slice of bread was rubbed on the classroom's computers.

Each slice of bread was placed in a ziplock bag and left on display for 3-4 weeks. The results were astonishing. The untouched slice remained perfectly clean along with the slice that was handled with hands washed with soap and water. The other three slices showed varying levels of decay. Interestingly, the "worst" result was the slice that had been rubbed on the classroom computer. It was completely covered in mold which demonstrated to the children how important hand washing is after handling something that seemingly appears clean and germ free.

It is no great surprise that this experiment has gone completely viral. We're showing our own kids tonight.

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