What inspired me to host a homeschool co-op about germs and the lymphatic system was to motivate the kids to wash their hands! Even though we homeschool, it seems at the beginning of the school year everyone gets sick all the time. After doing this activity the kids were washing their hands over and over for fun! I kid you not. We did this homeschool co-op about germs and the lymphatic system with first graders, but it would be appropriate for ages 4-8.
Human Anatomy Puzzle
First, we had the kids put a human body anatomy puzzle together. This human anatomy puzzle is fun because it’s huge and 100 pieces, so it doesn’t take forever to finish. It is also anatomically accurate. I’m a big fan of puzzles since they are a fun, collaborative, and hands-on activity.
Circle Time
I asked the kids “What is the immune system?” and “What does it do?” Then we discussed a bit about how the lymphatic system is part of the immune system while I showed them the lymphatic coloring sheet they were going to color later.
- The lymphatic system creates immune cells that help to fight infections. The bone marrow (which is part of the lymph system) makes white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The lymph system also helps to maintain normal fluid levels in the body and get rid of waste.
- Organs involved in the lymphatic system include the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels.
Germ Battle
Then we acted out an easy-to-put-together germ battle (because boys love a battle!). Have each kiddo hold a small colored pom-pom (which represents germs). And have another kiddo hold a large white pom-pom (a white blood cell) that “eats” all the other smaller “germ” colored pom-poms. This was a fun visual!
Wash Hands!
Believe it or not, washing hands is the really fun part! We discussed how germs are not visible to the naked eye, and germs are what can make us sick.
For this activity, you’ll need to buy this Glo Germ lotion that comes with a bottle of lotion to simulate germs and a blacklight.
- First, have the kids apply the “germ” lotion liberally all over their hands.
- Then have the kids wash their hands like they normally do with soap.
- Next, look at their hands under the blacklight (being in a bit of a darker room helps)
The kids can see whatever leftover of the glow lotion is still on their hands. This shows them whether they did a good job washing or not. If their hands are still glowing with germs, then they get to wash them again (and again) until it’s all gone. They all got a kick out of using the blacklight to check for “germs” on their hands.
If you want to take it a step further, after having them put the Glo Germ lotion on, have them play for 15 minutes, and then use the blacklight to look over the room, toys, and anything else they may have touched to see how the germs have traveled. Of course only do this if you’re ok with a little lotion getting on your stuff!
And a word of caution, the germ lotion is oily and might stain your hand towels. You may want to use either old towels or paper towels for the kids to dry their hands.
The kids actually all thought this was super fun! And they were actually excited to wash their hands again and again. We learned how to wash our hands thoroughly, between fingers, the backsides, and to really scrub. This activity brings the idea of germs to life, and is a visual, hands-on homeschool activity!
Coloring the Lymphatic system
Lastly, we had the kids color a sheet showing the lymphatic system and the organs involved. This human body coloring book is where I found this coloring sheet for the lymph system. It’s a great addition to learning about the different organ systems and the human body.
Then the kids, as usual, go play outside!
Read How to Host a Fun, Hands-On Homeschool Co-op on the Digestive System
List of Supplies:
- Human Body Anatomy Puzzle
- Pom-Poms (one large white, smaller colored ones, enough for each kid)
- Glow Germ lotion
- Blacklight
- Paper towels
- Lymph Coloring Sheet (Human Body Coloring Book)
I hope your homeschool co-op enjoys learning about germs as much as our co-op did. And I hope your kids are convinced to wash their hands more thoroughly, so they can get sick less often!
If you enjoyed this Homeschool Co-op about Germs, check out How To Host an Amazing Co-op on Composting Worms!
More Hands-On Homeschool Co-op Ideas:
- How to Host a Fun Homeschool Co-op on Cells and the Micro-Verse!
- Everything you Need to Host a Fun, Hands-On Homeschool Co-op on Composting Worms
- How to Host a Homeschool Co-op on the Digestive System
- How to Host an Awesome Homeschool Co-op Christmas Party!
Check out the LifeandLogic Etsy shop for homeschool unit studies, planning pages, and handwriting practice sheets.
