Are you a DIY-er?

Download the FREE project overview for a summary of each lesson and enough information to get started on your own.

Don’t have time for DIY?

USE US! We’ve curated and collected everything you need to bring this project to life. Purchase the project for $60 and get immediate lifetime access to the extensive online resources AND get supplies shipped to your door.

Many schools are supporting teachers in the purchase of Blue Apple projects. Here’s a handy Admin Request letter or explore other Funding Opportunities.

How can we stop germs in their tracks?

GERMS. They lurk in every classroom. Each year, students miss an estimated 164 MILLION school days due to illness. In this project, students will fight back against these microscopic monsters with this public-service project designed to make your school—and the world—a safer and healthier place. They will collect germs from common surfaces such as desks, laptops, and more. Then they’ll test the effectiveness of disinfectants in fighting germs. Finally, they’ll create a public service announcement for their school!

Imagine if kids could keep themselves and their families healthier by developing smart habits to protect against germs. What a great way to build healthy routines to last a lifetime!

Project Learning Targets

Lesson 1: Students begin to understand how germs spread. 

Lesson 2: Students design a fair test to investigate the spread of germs.

Lesson 3: Students learn about and share knowledge about germs.

Lesson 4: Students make observations on germ growth. 

Lesson 5: Students learn how to structure a public service announcement.

Lesson 6: Students create a first draft for their PSA.

Lesson 7: Students understand how to refine the work of their peers. 

Lesson 8: Students share their PSAs with the world.

For lesson descriptions, download the project overview.

For K–8 content connections, download the content correlations.

What is included with your project? 

Sample Online Resources
  • Blue Apple Book List
  • Glitter Games: Instruction and Mats
  • Growing Bacteria—Sick Science! #210 (YouTube          2:11)
  • “Battle That Bacteria!” Experiment Plan
  • Characteristics of an Effective PSA
  • And so much more!
Kit Supplies
  • Glitter
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Face Masks
  • Petri Dishes
  • Agar Powder
  • Bar Soap
  • Transparent Graph Paper
  • English Language Arts: Planning, Revising, and Editing
  • Math: Real-Life Area
  • Science: Multiple Solutions
  • Social Studies: Evolving Perspectives
  • Social-Emotional Learning: Responsible Decision-Making and Social Awareness
  • Learn from Health Professionals
  • Skype with a Scientist
  • Connect with a Writing Professional
  • Spread the News
Replicable Examination

After students have analyzed the data from their bacterial growth experiment, have them compare their results with another class that did the experiment the same way.

  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Cooperative Learning

To see a complete list of what’s included in your project, download the project overview.

About the Author

Tammy Myers

4th Grade Teacher
Summit Intermediate
Nixa, MO

Each Blue Apple Project Includes:

Are you a DIY-er?
FREE

Don’t have time for DIY?
$60

Tammy Myers

4th Grade Teacher
Summit Intermediate
Nixa, MO

‘Hello! My name is Tammy Myers and I’ve been a teacher for Nixa Public Schools since 2000. I dreamed of being a teacher since I was a second grader, and after all these years, I’m just as passionate about it! I love getting to come to school everyday and learning with my fourth graders. I graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and from Lindenwood University with a master’s degree. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends, reading, shopping, and serving at my church. On Saturdays you can usually find me at Busiek State Park riding my horse, Stormy.