germ science experiment preschool

12 Impactful Germ Science Experiments – Teach Kids About Safety

• October 24, 2020
• Science Experiments

Amid the corona virus pandemic, it is important to explain kids about the proper hand washing and maintaining safety measures in order protect themselves from some viruses, bacteria, germs, etc. today, we are going to investigate a few science experiments on how germs spread and their impact on our daily lives, etc. through some easy, fun, and simple experiments.

We are going to show you how to make kids learn about germs the FUN way from our spectacular collection of classroom lesson plans, to super cool science experiments, to hands-on learning activities.

Germ Science Experiments

Find the wonderful collection of science experiments that are done to learn more about germs in a fun and educational way! Here we go!

1. Make Germs Scatter Hand Washing Science Experiment

Help your little scientists learn the importance of using soap when washing hands and show how using soap when washing hands literally makes “germs” scatter with this simple fun science demonstration. Kids will be amazed at this simple and great visual science demonstration and show interest to wash their hands again and again without being cranky.

Check out this quick and easy science experiment that teaches kids the importance of washing hands: Make Germs Scatter Hand Washing Science Experiment

2. Growing Germs Kids Science Experiment

Germs can be anywhere and at any place but some places are filled with more germs whereas some places show less germ growth! Shall we perform a cool science activity on our own hands to learn how germs grow easily?

If you are interested, get all the information about germs growth in detail: Growing Germs Kids Science Experiment

3. Germs and Worms Science Activity

Very simple activity to show kids about how dirt and germs can spread by hand shaking, which is an important step to avoid during this corona virus pandemic. What’s an amazing idea to show kids about germs!

Check out Germs and Worms Science Activity

4. Glitter Germ Science Experiment

This germ science experiment is definitely fun as we are using glitter (child’s favourite thingie) to show kids about germs. Also, kids learn how important is to keep the germs away using simple supplies readily available in the home.

Directions for this fun hand washing activity for kids are found here: Glitter Germ Science Experiment

5. Growing Germs Dirty Potatoes Science Activity

The hypothesis of this awesome experiment is micro-organisms and germs from our hands would transfer to the potato when there is physical contact, and so that one should grow more bacteria than the clean potato.

Let us check whether our hypothesis goes correct or wrong using a few supplies and simple step-by-step instructions. Click on: Growing Germs Dirty Potatoes Science Activity

6. Germs Spread Easy Science Experiment

This is a YouTube science experiment demonstration helps to explore about germs in a fun way. Also, teaches kids about how fast germs spread using a ‘glow in the dark’ germ powder. Test suits for pre-schoolers and kindergartens to adapt to the practice of hand washing by knowing its importance amazingly.

 Are you interested in watching this YouTube video on importance of hand washing? click on: Germs Spread Easy Science Experiment

7. Growing bacteria in a petri dish STEM Activity

Bacteria is a kind of germ that stays everywhere, which we need to ‘wash off’ to avoid falling sick. So, it is important to keep ourselves safe and away from germs that cause infections. Growing bacteria in a petri dish was a very impactful activity, making visible to them that which is usually invisible.

Get more information about this classic cool science experiment here: Click on Growing bacteria in a petri dish STEM Activity

8. What Do Germs Look Like – Science Activity for Kids

Learn what germs look like, the types of germs, and the proper way to wash your hands. Plus check out a hands-on way to teach kids about germs! A great visual demonstration in a hands-on way to show kids about what germs really do to within a person’s body. Yeast, actually, grow mould, lotion and glitter or cooked rice are used to demonstrate how germs spread and how tough it is to get them out of our bodies.

Do you want to try this funs science experiment on germs in an easy way? Click on What Do Germs Look Like – Science Activity for Kids

9. Germy Hands Science Experiment

Your kids are going to have a blast with this Amazing Germy Hands Science Experiment because it is packed with a lot of fun and science plus affordable to gather the supplies and set up the investigation on germs.

Do you also want to engage your pre-schoolers with this simple Germy Hands science experiment? Click here for full disclosure of this super cool experiment: Germy Hands Science Experiment

10. Germ Experiment — Where Do Germs Grow in Your House??!       

A spectacular science experiment, ‘Germ Experiment–Where Do Germs Grow in Your House??!’ called for gelatine, sugar and petri dishes reveals the presence of germs around your home and in how much enough quantity they are living with you.

Have a look at this wonderful and neat science experiment on Germs Growth: Germ Experiment — Where Do Germs Grow in Your House??!

11. Cover Your Mouth – Germ Science

It is very difficult to make our children learn about the world filled with germs, and other invisible creatures. In this amazing science investigation, kids are going to explore how germs spread and work on ourselves and surroundings to cause various infections. While demonstrating the spread of germs is fascinating, but it is also suitable for a science fair project.

Find our more details here: Cover Your Mouth – Germ Science

12. Germ Science Projects for Elementary

By conducting this simple science investigation, turn your younger kids to little scientists and improve their critical thinking skills and analyzing capacity in a fun and educational way.

Click on Germ Science Projects for Elementary

Well, you have got some idea on how germs form and spread with these simple science experiments in a fun and entertaining way! Apart from investigating about the germ spread, we need to know how to keep ourselves and our children safe from germs! Practicing good healthy habits is as important as child’s classroom lessons. Here are a few healthy habits to follow strictly in order to protect ourselves from various diseases and to prevent germs and infectious diseases from spreading:

1) Wash Hands Properly and Often

2) Handle & Prepare Food Safely

3) Clean & Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces

4) Don’t Share Personal Items

5) Cough & Sneeze Into Your Sleeve

6) Avoid Touching Wild Animals

7) Get Vaccinated

8) Stay Home When Sick

Also, try to follow this simple trick to maintain hygiene in the home and around the home or school etc.

I Whack Germs

Try this fun way of remembering the most important steps to staying well.

I                Immunizations are important to protect you from diseases

W            Wash your hands often with soap and water.

H              Home is where you stay when you are sick.

A              Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth –especially when you are sick.

C              Cover your coughs and sneezes so you do not spread germs to others.

K              Keep your distance from sick people so you don’t get sick too.

All over the world, there are so many doubts and basic questions about these microorganisms and germs. Especially for small children, there is a lot of confusion on practicing healthy habits! Teaching kids about why healthy habits like proper hand washing are so important and the importance of their immune system has never been easier than with these teaching activities and ideas about GERMS! By conducting some simple science experiments, many will find out appropriate answers to their basic questions about germs and microorganisms.

Here are the basic definitions kids need to be aware of before they jump into learning fun science activities on GERMS!

Germs — Germs are found all over the world, in all kinds of places that cause infection. The four major types of germs are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The germ theory of disease is the currently accepted scientific theory for many diseases stating that germs can lead to diseases.

Viruses – a small disease-causing agent that lives inside the cells of larger organisms, such as plants, animals, and humans.

Bacteria – small, single-cell organisms that live almost everywhere. Some are harmful, but most are harmless and even helpful.

Immune System – your body’s defence system to help you fight off diseases and harmful germs.

Happy Experimenting!!

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Germ Science Experiment

Here’s a fun and easy way to learn about something you cannot see with the naked eye: germs. Using slices of bread, find out which surface grows the most germs. Set up this easy germ science experiment for a hands-on science project for kids .

Growing Germs On Bread

Germs need the same things we do, like food and water. In this germ experiment, the germs essentially eat the bread!

When the bread is touched and exposed to different items and surfaces, germs are given a lovely place to grow. In the room-temperature bags, the moisture and grains in the bread provide a great environment for germs to grow.

You won’t know what specific germs are growing without looking under a microscope. However, you will see a collection of germs on the bread’s surface.

This is a great way to illustrate how the things we touch every day can pass germs to our mouths and to other people if we aren’t careful and don’t wash our hands properly.

How to Set Up Germ Science Experiment

Apply the scientific method , by investigating which surface is the biggest source of germs. The dependent variable is the amount of germ growth on the bread. The independent variable is the surface the bread touches. Learn more about variables in science.

• Gloves (optional)

CLASSROOM TIP: Choose surfaces that are appropriate for your group. For example; use a bin instead of a toilet seat or desk surface instead of the kitchen counter.

Bread Slice 1 : Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the bread. Then with the first slice of, rub your clean hands all over the bread and then place into a zip bag marked ‘clean hands’.

Bread Slice 2 : Rub it on paper money, be careful not to touch the money with your clean hands and bag. You can use gloves if available. Place in a labeled bag.

Bread Slice 3: With clean hands, wipe the third slice of bread around on a toilet seat and place in labeled bag.

Bread Slice 4 : Repeat with any other surfaces you like, such as kitchen counter, door knob, etc. Place in labeled bag.

Bread Slice 5: For the last piece of bread, bag it but do not touch it at all. This will be our control.

Now place all of the sealed bags together and observe them over a week! Record your results.

Our Results

You can see our results below at Day 3 and Day 7. Money was definitely the winner for us! Our results also supported the idea of washing your hands regularly to stop the spread of germs.

What Are Germs?

Germs really refer to several different microorganisms, living things so small we can’t see them with the naked eye. We usually use the term to describe those that can cause disease or harm humans, animals, or plants.

These microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi (including mold), and protozoa. Harmful microorganisms or germs can spread through people’s contact with contaminated surfaces. Germs are responsible for illnesses like the common cold and the flu.

Many microorganisms are not harmful but essential for earth’s life, including our digestion and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. See the nitrogen cycle. Our amazing bodies are also home to trillions of microorganisms, which are important for maintaining our health.

💡 Cleaning surfaces regularly and washing our hands are important ways to prevent the spread of harmful germs.

Turn It Into A Germs Science Fair Project

Science projects are an excellent way for older kids to show what they know about science. They can also be used in various environments, including classrooms, homeschools, and groups.

Kids can take everything they have learned about using the scientific method , stating a hypothesis, choosing variables , making observations , and analyzing and presenting data.

Want to turn one of these experiments into an awesome science fair project? Check out these helpful resources.

• Science Project Tips From A Teacher
• Science Fair Board Ideas
• Easy Science Fair Projects

Get your FREE printable germs project!

Using The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is tested with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity.

Sounds heavy… What in the world does that mean?!? It means you don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.

As children develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation.

LEARN MORE HERE: Using The Scientific Method with Kids

Note: The use of the best Science and Engineering Practices is also relevant to the topic of using the scientific method. Read more here and see if it fits your science planning needs.

More Fun Science Experiments To Try

• Investigate seed germination with a seed jar .
• Set up a mini-greenhouse .
• Make a model of your heart or of your lungs .
• Learn with animal cell and plant cell coloring sheets .
• Try this easy strawberry DNA lab.

Helpful Science Resources

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• All About Scientists
• Science Supplies List
• Science Tools for Kids
• Join us in the Club

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

• arts & crafts
• _famous artists
• _process art
• _paint recipes
• _keepsake crafts
• _book activities
• _sensory bins
• _sensory play recipes
• _science experiments
• _free printables
• _colouring pages
• _valentines day
• _st patrick's day
• _mother's day
• _father's day
• _thanksgiving

Germ Science Experiment - Handwashing Activity

• Hand washing Poster  (to colour in)
• Germ Craft  (germs that actually look cute!)

Germs Experiment Supplies:

• Black pepper (to represent germs)
• Dish soap (washing up liquid)
• Small dish 

Directions for this fun handwashing activity for kids

Step 1: get all your supplies ready.

STEP 2: Prepare the germ experiment

STEP 2: Put the experiment to test

STEP 3: Demonstrate how soap removes the germs right away

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Growing Germs: Kids’ Science Experiment

This simple kids’ science experiment uses an apple and your kiddo’s own germs to show little ones just how important hand washing is now that cold season is upon us. Once my 4 year-old daughter could visually see the germs that were on her hands, all battles over proper hand washing have ceased!

Ready for more science fun!? Check out our 30 Science Experiments in our shop!

Getting Ready

To prep for this activity, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:

• 1-2 apples (depending on how many variables you want to have in your experiment)
• 2-4 jars with lids
• Tape (to label jars)
• Marker or pen
• Hand soap (not pictured)

While my daughter was in preschool, I gathered our supplies and labeled each jar with the following labels:

• Control (the apple half that would not be touched)
• Dirty (the half that would be handled with unwashed hands)
• Washed without help
• Washed with timer (set a timer for 20 seconds, watched to make sure washed thoroughly)

Kids’ Science Experiment: Growing Germs

As soon as A returned from school, I cut 2 apples in half on a sanitized cutting board, giving us 4 apple halves. I explained to A that we were going to use these apples to see what kind of germs were on her hands.

First, I carefully placed one apple half in a clean glass jar without touching it by sliding it off the cutting board with the knife.  Then I screwed on the lid and explained to A that this apple would be the control – the apple to which we didn’t add any germs or bacteria.  “This will help us see the difference between a regular rotting apple and one you put germs on,” I explained.

Next, I asked A to rub her unwashed, straight-from-preschool hands all over one apple half and then plop it into the second jar.  She screwed the lid labeled “dirty” on and then I asked her to wash her hands for lunch.  This kids’ science experiment is a great lesson in controls and variables!

When she returned a mere 30 seconds later, I asked her to rub her hands on the 3rd apple half and put it in a jar.  I handed her the lid labeled “washed w/o help.” She screwed it on and placed it next to the other jars.

When A asked about the last apple, I explained that we needed to wait until her hands got dirty again to finish it.

After lunch and a potty break, A was ready to wash her hand again.  This time, I joined her in the bathroom and watched to make sure she lathered the tops and bottoms of her hands and between her fingers for a full 20 seconds before rinsing.  Then, she ran to grab the last apple half, rubbed her hands all over it and placed it in the final jar. With the lids on, I placed the jars on a shelf and we went about playing.

We checked on the apples everyday and didn’t see much besides a little browning for over a week.  A was just about to lose interest in the whole experiment (and I was shocked nothing was growing as expected) when we noticed something – a little something showed up on the dirty apple: MOLD!

A few days later, the gray mold on the dirty apple had grown bigger.  A took one look in the jar and, with a scrunched up face, declared, “That’s disgusting!” She pushed the jar across the table.

This got the attention of A’s little brother, Q, who wanted to know what was so gross. After explaining what the black and gray stuff on the dirty apple was a big pile of germs, I had no more arguments from either child when asked to wash their hands.  All I have to say now is say, “Remember the germs we saw on the apple?” and both of them will race to the bathroom.  This kids’ science experiment was all I needed!

The apples continued rotting, but the apple with the most mold and bacteria growing on it was, by far, the dirty apple.  The control and washed with timer apples pretty much fared the same so a mere 20 seconds of good scrubbing really does make a difference.  The washed without help apple did have some nasty stuff growing on it, but it wasn’t quite as bad as the dirty apple.  Toward the end of the experiment, I took the kids out of town and my husband tossed the apple before I could snap a truly disgusting shot.  You can thank him for sparing you those photos.

All in all, I’d say this experiment served its purpose and brings a whole new meaning to the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

More Science Fun

Have more fun exploring science by making homemade pop rockets , pouring a rainbow in a jar and walking on eggs .  And for an amazing science resource, grab our 30 Science Experiments in our shop – your kids will beg to repeat them!

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Fantastic Fun & Learning

Fun learning activities and things to do with kids

Make Germs Scatter Hand Washing Science Demonstration

By Shaunna Evans 18 Comments · This content may contain affiliate links.

Kids will be amazed at this simple hand washing science demonstration that reminds them visually that using soap when washing hands literally makes “germs” scatter.

Yes, dish liquid is great for washing dishes, but there are so many other fun uses for soap. In the classroom I loved using this quick science activity to demonstrate the importance of using soap while washing hands.

With this simple science demonstration you can give kids a vivid visual that will help them remember to use soap each time they wash their hands {hopefully!}.

And bonus! They’re also learning a little about surface tension along the way. Science projects at home are always fun for kids!

Science Projects for Kids

Sometimes simple experiments make for the best experiments. And this easy experiment is not only a fun experiment but it’s one that involves the kids from start to finish, too.

We like to talk about all types of science topics in our home and try to follow those conversations up with a simple experiment or two if possible. This helps to make learning fun and also creates a great learning experience as well.

What we enjoyed about this pepper and soap experiment was that a quick experiment that could be done quickly in science class or shown as a cool exhibit in a science fair. For science learning, this hands-on activity really creates quite an impact.

It was an interesting experiment because it’s one that works well for all ages. This could be a great kids experiment for a preschool science lesson plan or a fun topic to tackle in science labs as well. Older kids will love learning about the experimentation process and playing “mad scientist” as well.

This is one of those amazing science experiments that are fun experiments and ideas for kids because they’ll want to do it over and over again.

Watch the Hand Washing Science Demonstration Video

You can watch the full science demonstration in this short video.

When we did this demonstration I started by gathering a bowl of water, black paper, and dish soap. Then I asked the girls to talk with me about what they know about soap and why we use it.

After our chat I told them we were going to learn about how soap makes germs scatter, and I asked them to sprinkle some pepper into our bowl. (Don’t add too much or the demonstration will not work as well.) They observed how the pepper floats on the surface of our water, and I told them that was like germs on the surface of our skin.

Then we covered one finger with dish soap. Our container was full so we just dipped a finger in, but you could also squirt the soap on the finger or dip a finger into a smaller container with soap poured in it.

Now for the big moment! And it’s a fast one, so make sure everyone is watching. Stick that finger into the water in the center of the bowl if possible. And POOF! Those “germs” scatter to the edge of the bowl. It’s quick, but powerful and kids remember that moment. Afterward we talked about how the “germs” are afraid of the soap and what we can learn from this demonstration.

This was always a powerful message that stuck with my kindergarteners when I was teaching in the classroom, and so far it’s had a lasting impression on my own girls as well.

The Science Behind this Hand Washing Demonstration Activity

A note about why this happens:

Inquisitive little scientists might want to know exactly why this happens since the pepper isn’t really “germs.” Basically the demonstration has more to do with the soap and water. The pepper just allows us to actually see what is happening. When soap is added to the water it lowers the surface tension of the water causing the water molecules on the surface to “scatter” or pull away from the point where you added the soap.

• Small or Medium sized bowl (full of water)
• Ground Black Pepper
• Dish Soap (any brand)

Instructions

• Start by gathering your bowl of water, black pepper, and dish soap
• Sprinkle some pepper into your bowl. These are the "germs" on our skin.
• Cover one finger with dish soap.
• Stick the finger into the water, in the center of the bowl if possible.
• See the pepper "germs" scatter from the soap!

More Hand Washing Tips and Resources

Don’t forget a helpful hand washing song.

Help kids remember to wash long enough with a fun hand washing song for kids . Over on Fun-A-Day you can grab the free printable pictured below and see a collection of YouTube videos about hand washing to choose from.

Teach curious kids the history of hand washing!

Max Brooks shares the history of hand washing over on History.com. There’s even a free printable activity that includes another fun science experiment about germs.

Get help teaching 13 key classroom procedures

We know there are more routines to teach in the classroom than hand washing.

This 605 page classroom procedures bundle is full of step-by-step instructions for everyday routines children engage in at school, along with helpful tips and guidance to help you teach clear and detailed steps for 13 key classroom routines to your students.

As a bonus, we’ve added social distancing and online learning routines to accommodate today’s unprecedented learning environment. 

Also available on  Teachers Pay Teachers .

Reader Interactions

Brenda Conni

September 1, 2020 at 1:05 pm

I Love it and will use it for the beginning of my virtual STEM classes. I have K-1st together, 2nd-3rd together. I will also usethe bread slices for grades 4th-5th together.

September 5, 2020 at 11:15 pm

Yay! That’s so great to hear, Brenda! Good luck with your STEM classes!

August 17, 2020 at 12:36 am

Hi. This is one of my class’ favorite activities. I have been doing it for several years now and it never gets old. I have my kids put their finger in without soap first and the “germs” stay on. Then we use soap amd the “germs” wash off. If a child has sensory issues, they can use a Q-tip-it still works. Hope my suggestions help someone.

August 17, 2020 at 10:16 pm

Thanks so much, Debi, for sharing your classroom experience with me! I am so glad that this activity is such a success with your students! -Shaunna

July 15, 2020 at 10:15 pm

Hi I want to do this activity with our social skills group that meets virtually, do I need permission to share this on our webpage or can I credit you on our webpage? Great idea, our learners are very visual and this will stay with them!

Shaunna Evans

July 16, 2020 at 9:19 am

Hi Katie! On your webpage you may share an image and link to this post so people can access the directions and information. Please do not copy and paste all of the content to your webpage. I hope your group enjoys the activity!

Salena Mullinax

March 17, 2020 at 12:38 pm

Thank you such an interesting activity pertaining to the need for cleanliness.

March 23, 2020 at 1:38 am

You are welcome, Salena! Thanks for sharing your feedback with me.

Anne at Left Brain Craft Brain

August 30, 2014 at 5:30 pm

Such a impactful, but still simple way to teach kids about germs. I’m definitely going to do this! Thanks for sharing at the Love to Learn Linky.

September 23, 2014 at 6:50 pm

Thank you, Anne!

August 28, 2014 at 4:02 pm

Brilliant way to use Palmolive dish soap outside of the kitchen! And so timely as many children are heading back to school now. I think this would be a great experiment to do just before cold and flu season too. #client

September 23, 2014 at 6:57 pm

Oh, that’s a terrific suggestion, Emily. Thank you!

August 28, 2014 at 11:58 am

Wow – that is really cool, and a brilliant way to learn about germs.

Melanie Thomas

August 28, 2014 at 9:52 am

Great experiment. I showed your video to my 4 year old, we both learned something. Pinning to my Science board.

Angel Casale

August 27, 2014 at 1:46 pm

Hi, Stopping by from Mom’s Library linky. This is such a great science experiment. My 4 year old just asked why he has to wash his hands before he eats and I tried explaining but this will actually show him. Pinned!

What a great teachable moment, Angel!

Sheila @ BrainPowerBoy

August 27, 2014 at 8:39 am

Stopping by from Mom’s Library linky to say hi and let you know how much I like your post. We are going to give this a try today. Even though my son is older I think he will still enjoy it. Pinned.

Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest

August 25, 2014 at 8:53 am

Great idea! We’ve been talking about germs a lot lately. This is such a good way for kids to actually see what happens when they use soap. Will definitely give it a try. 🙂

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10 Exciting Germs Activities for Preschool Kids

Germs are minute organisms that are not visible to the naked eye, yet these may significantly impact everyone’s health. Help children understand the concept of germs and their effect on their bodies with these ten activities. 

Great Germs Activities for Preschool

1. glitter germy hands.

This experiment teaches children that germs can be passed to another person or object through touch. With a science lesson, they will understand that hands can be magnets for these tiny organisms. 

 Start this experiment by downloading and printing the activity sheet from the site. Next, mix half a bottle of hand sanitizer and a small bottle of glitter in a bowl using a spoon. Next, explain that the glitter acts as the pretend germs for this activity.

Find out how and where germs can be transferred by asking them to shake hands and touch toys and other objects. Let them observe what happens to the glitter. 

2. Hot Potato Germ Exchange

Prepare the sponge before the activity by sprinkling it with flour or cornstarch. Next, have the children sit in a circle and provide the instructions. 

3. Sing Handwashing Songs

Songs can help children remember how to wash their hands and prevent germs from spreading. The catchy melody and repetitive lines will help with memory and movement. 

Next, practice the movement and the order they should be done. Show the location of the words in the hands mentioned in the song. Model the action for children to follow. Next, practice the song and movement together. 

4. Handwashing with Balloons and Soap

This sensory activity visually explains how germs disappear through washing hands. Their fine motor skills will improve as children write and draw on the gloves.  

Incorporate the singing of the “Happy Birthday” song twice as a practice for washing their hands in real life. 

5. Germ Buster

The site suggests using homemade playdough for this activity. Head to the site for the recipe. Once the playdough is ready, add several drops of food coloring. Any color will do for this activity. Add a few drops of essential oil. 

6. Make Your Own Pet Germ Craft

Unleash children’s creativity as they make their version of a germ. Let them name their germs and use them to retell stories or as a reminder to always wash their hands. Assembling this craft will help improve their fine motor skills. 

Next, glue different sizes of green pompoms on the paper plate. Attach the googly eyes. Cut several pipe cleaners in half and bend them to resemble legs. Use sticky tape to attach these to the unpainted part of the paper plate. 

7. Coughing Katie Craft

It also teaches good hygiene practices that become habit-forming. With a Science lesson, explain how germs can also be transferred through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Use videos to explain this concept better. 

Cut two strips of paper for the arms. Cut out two hands and attach these. Glue these under the cup. Attach Velcro on the hand and mouth to enable children to place and take off the hand on the mouth. 

8. Growing Germs Experiment

Children will learn to think like scientists as they formulate a hypothesis, look at variables, observe, and document their findings. These tasks will help children think critically. 

Next, have the child wash both hands without supervision and touch the third apple. Place this in the wash without a help jar. Have the child rewash hands, this time supervised for twenty seconds. 

9. Germ Blow Painting Art

Pour some liquid watercolor into the palette. Dip the paintbrush and add a small amount of paint to the white cardstock. Use the straw to spread the paint.

Cut out circles from white construction paper and stick these on the germs to serve as eyes. Use the marker to add details, such as the pupils and additional arms. 

10. Read Books About Germs

One of the books is “Sick Simon” by Dan Krall . The book is about a boy named Simon who unknowingly spreads germs to his whole class from Monday to Thursday. 

Conclusion 

Germs are a relevant and timely topic to discuss in preschool. Children will have awareness and learn about the best practices to prevent the spread of germs with these activities. 

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This Viral Experiment Using Pepper & Soap Teaches Kids Importance of Hand-washing

By Becky Mansfield

Mar 19, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy .

Have you seen these simple soap & pepper experiments that teach kids the importance of washing hands to stop germs from spreading?    If you’ve talked to your kids about everything that is going on right now, you’ve probably talked to them about germs & how they are spreading right now.  

As I mentioned in this post about how to talk to your kids about the spreading virus, ” Rachel Ehmke reminds us that “Kids worry more when they’re kept in the dark.”   

There are some things you’ve probably been more diligent about lately, and you’ve been asking your kids to do the same; not touching things when out in public, not getting too close to strangers or other kids, disinfecting your home more often than usual, and washing their hands every time that they go anywhere.

Simple Experiment about the Importance of Washing Hands 

This experiment is a great way to teach kids that you can prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands.   This is a great way to teach a full lesson on germs & the importance of doing what we can to minimize the spread of the germs.   

When I taught elementary school, we loved to perform science experiments !  One of our favorite science experiments was a simple hand washing experiment.   In this experiment, we needed a bowl, milk, food coloring (represents germs), a toothpick, and soap. 

We filled a bowl with milk.  We added drops of food coloring into the middle of the bowl and called the coloring our “germs.”  Next, we took a toothpick, dipped it into a bowl of dish soap, and then touched the dot of food coloring with the soap. 

T he food coloring will disperse through the milk as the fat in the milk is repelled by the dish soap, but all that the kids see is that the ‘germs’ ran from the soap !  Their reactions were priceless! 

Parents Teach Kids About Germs Using Pepper And Soap 

This week, I saw a similar video circulating from Kelly Rose Sarno . In this Instagram video, she does the same experiment, but instead of using food coloring, she uses pepper as the “germs” and it works like a charm!   

            View this post on Instagram                     A post shared by Kelly Rose Sarno (@kellyrosesarno) on Mar 13, 2020 at 2:40pm PDT

I also loved the way that it was explained by a preschool teacher, Amanda Lorenzo .    A preschool class, or any class, is the perfect place to teach good handwashing!   I love that she brought this simple experiment into the classroom.     I hope that it encourages others to do the same! 

            View this post on Instagram                     Learning about the importance of washing our hands!🧼 I wish you all could’ve seen how truly shocked they were that the “virus,” (pepper) moves away from the soap! So much fun and very informative! The things you learn from #TikTok  A post shared by Amanda Lorenzo (@mandysmunchkins_) on Mar 10, 2020 at 1:14pm PDT

When parents teach their kids about germs using pepper and soap, it really brings it to life, because they can SEE the reaction.  This fun exercise will absolutely be your homeschool science lesson of the day! 🧼🖐🏻🦠

Instructions:  Science Experiment about Germs Using Pepper And Soap 

What You Need for the Germs Experiment Using Pepper And Soap

• A small bowl of water (one for each child would be best)
• Ground black pepper
• A small bowl of soap (everyone can share)

Steps for Teaching Kids About Germs Using Pepper And Soap 

• Sprinkle pepper on the tops of the bowls of water
• Explain to your child that the pepper represents germs like viruses that can make us sick
• Have them stick one finger in the ‘germs’ and ask them what happened. They will probably recognize that germs got stuck on them!
• Then have them put a clean finger in the soap and swirl it around until it covers the end of their finger
• Have them put the soapy finger in the ‘germs’
• The ‘germs’ should be repelled by the soap and should quickly move away from your child’s finger

I hope this is a fun and educational activity for your kids as you continue to talk about social distancing and sanitation.    The biggest thing is to remind your family to wash their hands!   

Teaching Kids: What is a Germ and What Does It Do?  

A germ is any microorganism, especially one which causes a disease . Germs can be bacteria or viruses, as well as a few other types of microorganisms, too. They are EVERYWHERE. We are currently dealing with a global pandemic because of these small but mighty little organisms. 

What is Soap?

“Soap is a mixture of fat or oil, water, and an alkali, or basic salt.  The ancient Babylonians are credited with being the first people to make soap. Their recipe for animal fats, wood ash and water has been found carved into clay containers dating back to 2800 B.C.”

“The basic recipe for soap hasn’t changed for thousands of years. It’s still a combination of fat or oils with an alkali — basic ionic salt — and water. When those ingredients combine in the proper proportions, they go through a chemical process called saponification, which results in soap.”  – LiveScience  

How does soap get rid of germs?  

First off, it’s important to realize that soap does not kill germs.  Soap removes germs.  The germs stick to the oil on our hands, and water will not remove it, so we need to use something else.  Soap likes water and soap likes oil, so it makes the perfect match!  

“When you wash your hands with soap, the soap molecules act as a mediator between the water and oil molecules and bind with both of them at the same time. Then when you rinse everything off, the soap carries away the germs with the water. ” – lifescience

When Should We Wash Our Hands?

It’s important to wash our hands often, and our kids need to understand it and make it a habit.  Here are a few important times to remember to wash our hands: 

• Before a meal or snack
• After playing outside
• After being at a playground or busy area
• Before cooking or preparing a meal
• After school 
• After playing with friends
• Before & after visiting anyone that isn’t feeling well 
• After using the bathroom
• after cleaning 
• after touching animals 
• After leaving a store
• After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose

It’s hard to imagine, but there was a time when humans had no idea we needed to consider sanitation, disinfection, or even basic cleanliness. That’s because there was a time when we didn’t know about bacteria or viruses. In short, we hadn’t discovered germs.   Luckily, we’ve come a long way!   I love that we learn more every day… and we can pass on that learning to our children.  

If you are looking for more ideas for the kids, check out these ideas: 

50+ screen-free activities 50+ free educational subscriptions for students due to school closure.

Hand-washing Experiment using Pepper & Soap

• 1 small bowl per child + 1 more
• A few teaspoons of ground black pepper

Instructions 

• Fill 1 small bowl half full of water for each child
• Cover the top of the water with black pepper (about 1 tps each). The pepper represents 'germs'
• Have each child put one finger in the pepper to see how the 'germs' stick
• Put some dish soap in the extra small bowl
• Have each child put a clean finger in the dish soap
• Now have them put the dish soap covered finger in the pepper to see the 'germs' move away from the soap

View this post on Instagram Learning about the importance of washing our hands!🧼 I wish you all could’ve seen how truly shocked they were that the “virus,” (pepper) moves away from the soap! So much fun and very informative! The things you learn from #TikTok 😂 #prekactivities #coronaviruspreventiontips #dabbooratnani A post shared by Amanda Lorenzo (@mandysmunchkins_) on Mar 10, 2020 at 1:14pm PDT

Additional Info

Categorized as: Staying Healthy! , Teach your Kids (Activities)

I’m Becky, a former elementary school teacher turned certified child development therapist and blogger. I work at home with my husband and together we are raising (and partially homeschooling) our four children in the Carolinas. I love diet coke, ice cream, and spending time with my family.

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25 Exciting Germs Activities for Preschool

Introducing preschoolers to the concept of germs and their activities is a crucial step in fostering an understanding of hygiene and health.

Teaching preschoolers about germs involves explaining how they spread, the importance of cleanliness, and simple habits to keep them at bay.

So without further ado, let’s get into it.

“Germ Relay Race”:

Divide children into two teams and set up two stations – one with a bucket of soapy water and another with a towel. At the start of the race, the first child from each team runs to the bucket and washes their hands for 20 seconds before drying them off with a towel. They then tag the next person on their team, who repeats the process. The first team to complete the relay race wins.

“Germ Experiment”:

Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of food coloring to represent germs. Ask one child to stand in the middle of the room and spray them with the colored water. Then, have the child touch different surfaces in the room, such as a doorknob or a table. The other children can then observe how the colored water spreads and sticks to the surfaces, representing the spread of germs.

“Germ Art”:

Provide each child with a white paper plate and a variety of different colored paints. Ask them to dip their hands into the paint and then make handprints on the paper plate. Then, use a black marker to draw the outline of a germ around the handprint.

“Germ Bingo”:

Create bingo cards with different pictures of items such as soap, tissues, and hand sanitizer. Call out different hygiene items and ask children to mark off the corresponding picture on their bingo cards. The first person to get a complete line on their card wins.

“Germ-Filled Water Experiment”:

Fill two cups with water – one with clean water and the other with water containing dirt or sand to represent germs. Ask children to dip their fingers into each cup and observe the differences between the two.

“Hand Washing Song”:

Create a catchy song or use an existing one to teach children the proper hand-washing technique. Have children sing the song while washing their hands, emphasizing each step of the process. This activity helps children remember the proper hand-washing technique and makes it fun and enjoyable.

“Germ Scavenger Hunt”:

Provide children with a list of items to find and have them search for the hidden germs. As they find each item, discuss how germs can spread and the importance of hygiene.

“Germ-free Hands”:

Provide children with a piece of white paper and a stamp pad. Ask them to stamp their hands onto the paper with the ink. Then, have them wash their hands with soap and water and repeat the process. Compare the two hand prints and discuss how washing hands can remove germs and keep hands clean.

“Germs in a Jar”:

Fill a jar with water and a few drops of food coloring to represent germs. Add a small amount of soap to the jar and shake it vigorously. Discuss how the soap breaks up the germs and makes them less harmful. This activity helps children understand the role of soap in hand washing and reinforces the importance of using soap when washing hands.

“Germ Barrier Experiment”:

Provide children with two slices of bread and two ziplock bags. Ask them to touch one slice of bread with dirty hands and the other with clean hands. Then, place each slice of bread in a separate bag and seal them. Observe the bread over the next few days and discuss the differences between the two.

“Germ Sorting Game”:

Provide children with a variety of objects, some clean and some dirty, and ask them to sort them into two piles – “germ-free” and “germ-covered.” Discuss how germs can spread and the importance of keeping objects and surfaces clean.

“Germ Monster Craft”:

Provide children with paper plates, googly eyes, and colored paper. Ask them to decorate the paper plate to create a “germ monster.” Discuss how germs can make people sick and reinforce the importance of hand washing and hygiene.

“Germ Magnet Experiment”:

Fill a bowl with water and sprinkle black pepper on top to represent germs. Dip a magnet into dish soap and then into the bowl. Observe how the pepper moves away from the magnet, representing how soap can remove germs.

“Germ-Free Zone”:

Designate an area of the classroom or play area as a “germ-free zone.” Provide children with hand sanitizer or wipes to use before entering the zone. Discuss the importance of keeping the area clean and germ-free.

“Germ-Infested Hands”:

Provide children with a piece of white paper and a few drops of green paint. Ask them to make handprints on the paper to represent “germ-infested hands.” Then, provide them with wipes or hand sanitizer and ask them to clean their hands. Observe the difference between the “germ-infested” and “clean” handprints.

“Germ Transmission Relay Race”:

Divide children into teams and provide each team with a ball or object to represent germs. Ask them to pass the ball from one person to another, without using their hands. Instead, they can use elbows, feet, or any other body part.

“Germ-Fighting Superhero Masks”:

Provide children with paper plates, colored paper, and markers. Ask them to decorate the paper plate to create a “germ-fighting superhero mask.” Discuss how hand washing, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes can help fight germs and keep us healthy.

“Germ-Free Book”:

Provide children with a blank book or journal and ask them to draw pictures or write stories about being germ-free.

“Germ-Free Snacks”:

Provide children with a variety of snack options and ask them to choose which ones are germ-free. Discuss the importance of washing hands before eating and the ways we can keep our food and snacks free from germs.

“Germ-Detective Science Experiment”:

Provide children with a variety of materials such as cotton swabs, petri dishes, and a magnifying glass. Ask them to collect samples from different surfaces in the classroom or play area and examine them under the magnifying glass.

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Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

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8 DIY Activities To Teach Kids About Germs

So they’ll actually want to wash their hands.

The science of germs is fascinating. And learning about them is a great way to show kids how important it is to wash their hands. They need to know what germs are —microscopic bacteria and viruses that may make you sick—as well as how easily germs spread. And germ education doesn’t have to be a lecture or a health textbook. Try these fun ways to teach kids about germs.

1. Glitter Germs

This is a great lesson to show kids how germs are spread. Each student gets a different color of glitter to coat their hands with and then shakes hands. They’ll see the glitter transfer … and that it doesn’t come off without soap!

2. Germ Detectives

Here’s a fun DIY activity to teach kids about germs. In this one, you’ll use “germ powder” (flour or cornstarch) on blocks and have kids pick them up. Ask them to clap to show how germs travel from surfaces to hands to the air.

3. Read Aloud

There are tons of engaging picture books that can teach kids about germs while simultaneously making them giggle. Our picks are Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost and Sick Simon  by Dan Krall.

4. Hot Potato Germ Exchange

Take a sponge dusted with flour or cornstarch (again representing germs) and have kids sit in a circle. Invite them to pass the sponge along as fast as possible for 30 to 60 seconds to see how easy it is to pass germs without even knowing it.

5. The Pom-Pom Sneeze

For a demonstration of what happens when you don’t cough or sneeze into your elbow, take a handful of pom-poms and pretend to cough or sneeze. You’ll send the pom-poms flying in front of you!

6. Shake Those Germs

Similar to Glitter Germs, this activity also involves shaking hands. This time, kids use different-colored finger paint instead of glitter. Then they can use the paint to make “germ portraits.”

7. Germ Coloring Pages

These adorable coloring pages are both fun and educational, with a cartoonish version for grades K-2 and a more scientific one for grades 3-5. For the younger set, try this cut-and-paste germ education activity.

8. Glow Away Germs

Glo Germ Gel is worth its weight in gold when it comes to showing kids how effective their handwashing is. Let them wash their hands and then have them apply the gel-like lotion. Under ultraviolet light, they can see all the places they missed … and pay extra attention to them the next time they go to wash!

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Free Germ Coloring Pages: For Cute and Fun Germ Education

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Written by Thena Reading-Franssen • Nov 29, 2022 • Leave a Comment

Germ Crafts and Activities – Great Germ Activities for Preschoolers

Are you ready to have more germ activities for preschoolers ? These simple germ activities listed below are fun and full of learning!

Now more than ever, it’s time to educate our children about the importance of germs and how we can keep ourselves and our hands clean and germ-free. These germ activities for preschoolers are a great way to show them the importance of handwashing as well as doing their part to stop the spreading of germs.

When it comes to teaching our children about germs , we’ve all said the same things to them till we’re blue in the face. “Cover your mouth when you cough”, “Sneeze into your elbow”, “Keep your hands out of your mouth”, and “Stop touching your face”. (and these are things that we should be doing as adults, too!)

Great Germ Activities for Preschoolers

If you’re looking for some simple germ crafts and activities that your children will enjoy and actually learn from, here are some great ideas that you can easily do this weekend.

Germ Crafts and Activities for Kids

These simple germ activities for preschoolers prove that you can combine learning and fun!

Germ Buster 

Your child is certain to this love this simple playdough craft that teaches all about germs and what you can do to combat them!

Glitter Germy Hands Experiment

This experiment will show your child how germs spread on hands and will also show them how to scrub away that glitter (germs!) as well.

Fun Germ Craft

This is a fun way for your child to create their own germs and learn about them as well.

Books about Germs and Hygiene

If your child loves to read, why not let them read all about germs and hygiene as well? This list of books is perfect for a long weekend or a week at home.

DIY Unicorn Horn Soap

If you want your kids to start washing their hands more regularly, why not make some adorable unicorn soap together at home?

Make Germs Scatter Science Experiment

Teaching children about how far and fast germs can spread is a whole lot more simple with this science experiment!

Germ Straw Painting Art

Even when talking about germs, there’s still a chance to make beautiful artwork!

Glitter Germ Experiment

Just like glitter, germs get on anything and everything that they touch! This activity showcases that perfectly for your child to see and understand.

Even more fun germ activities for preschoolers

There are so many great germ activities and crafts that we couldn’t leave out these!

Free Printable Germ Worksheets for Kindergartners

Here are some great germ worksheets that you can print and have your child work on at home. Even though they can be for kindergartners and up, they’re also something that you and your preschooler can work on together, too. It’s a great germ activity to do together.

Free printable hand washing posters and guides for children

We all need a reminder from time to time about the proper way to wash our hands and this printable poster can help. This is one simple germ activity that we can all be reminded of daily.

Perfect Song to Sing to Wash Hands

Telling your children to wash their hands for so many “seconds” may not register but if you teach them a song to sing while they’re washing their hands, it will help!

These simple germ crafts for preschoolers are a great way to educate your child to learn about the best practices for teaching them to do their best to stay as healthy as possible.

These crafts use a wide range of experiments and methods to teach children so that they understand just how easily germs can continue to spread. Starting with good hand-washing, your children can learn at a very young age that they have the ability to stop the spreading of germs!

And since all of these germ activities for preschoolers need adult supervision, make certain that you’re with them and helping them out through them all!

Like these simple germ activities for preschoolers? Check out even Activities and Ideas for Kids:

13 St. Patrick’s Day Crafts and Activities for Kids of All Ages

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Germs Preschool Science Experiment

September 14, 2015 by Arena Blake 3 Comments

This post was sponsored by GOJO Industries, the makers of PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

We completed this Germs Preschool Science Experiment to teach my son how germs are spread. As a messy boy, he often touches things with no consideration as to where they’ve been. I can’t tell you how many times we go into a public restroom and I have to say, “Don’t touch ANYTHING!” And he still does.

I’ve tried to talk to him about germs, but the concept was so abstract. Invisible creatures that live on stuff and make you sick? He looked at me like I was nuts. That’s where this Germs Preschool Science Experiment comes in.

Here’s What You Need for This Germs Preschool Science Experiment:

• Hand soap or lotion
• Clean hands!

Squirt some soap or lotion into your child’s hand.

Add some glitter on top of the lotion or soap and have your child rub his hands together. This will spread the glitter all over their hands.

Now, have them shake hands with another child, or touch a table. The glitter will transfer to the new surface and they will get to see how it moves from one person to another.

That’s why it’s so important to was your hands with soap and water regularly. But sometimes, that just isn’t an option. So we keep a variety of PURELL products on hand just for those times! I love the PURELL Advanced Sanitizing Wipes — they’re great for wiping away dirt and other messes.

Exactly what the mom of a sticky toddler needs!

This visual was a great way to show my son just what happens when you don’t regularly wash or sanitize your hands.

We’ve committed to using PURELL products three times a day for the next month to help prevent the spread of germs. And you can join us! Visit the PURELL website to sign up for the challenge for the chance to win great prizes every day!

It’s been really eye-opening for my son. We’ve been doing the challenge for a few weeks now, and he has started to ask for sanitizer after he does something messy and before eating. Awesome!

Make sure to check out our LEGO Hand Sanitizer with gift tags for your child’s teachers — it’s a great gift idea for the upcoming holidays!

Reader Interactions

March 18, 2020 at 8:42 pm

i love it . Awesome fun easy activity

April 7, 2020 at 2:44 pm

iDmN4h Nice post. Thanks for sharing this fantastic post with us. I enjoy at the time of reading this article. You have done a awesome job by sharing this post with us. Keep it up.

June 7, 2024 at 2:12 pm

This is such a neat way to teach kids about germs and the importance of washing hands. My only gripe is why not use real dirt to show how much scrubbing is important? My youngest son is now getting old enough to understand these concepts so I’m going to use your idea here to teach him, but I also want him to know that dirt is not evil and having some of it on your hands is actually good for your immune system so long as you stay clean, try not to touch your mouth, that sort of stuff. He loves playing with moss and helping me around with chores and talking with the roof cleaners who come by every year from https://www.rojomossremoval.com/roof-cleaning and so he’s ready to learn the importance of sanitation. Thank you for showing me the coolest way to teach him this.

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Science Projects > Life Science Projects > Learn About Germs Science Projects  

Learn About Germs Science Projects

By conducting one germ experiment, you may find answers to basic questions about these microorganisms:

What are germs?

Can you see germs?

Where do they come from?

How can you protect yourself from them?

There are lots of questions to ask about germs. Here are some ideas of fun things to do that will give you a peek into the world of germs!

Definitions

Bacteria  – small, single-cell organisms that live almost everywhere. Some are harmful, but most are harmless and even helpful.

Viruses  – a small disease-causing agent that lives inside the cells of larger organisms, such as plants, animals, and humans.

Immune System  – your body’s defense system to help you fight off diseases and harmful germs.

Germ Experiment #1

How do germs spread.

Do you get told to wash your hands after playing outside or using the bathroom, even when there isn’t any dirt on them? Try this experiment to see why you should wash your hands, even if they look clean!

What You Need:

• Hand lotion
• Sink or large bucket
• Paper towels

What You Do:

1. Put a drop of lotion on your hands and rub them together to spread the lotion out evenly.

2. With your hands over a sink or large bucket, have your helper put a pinch of glitter in the palm of one of your hands.

3. With your hands still over the sink, make a fist with the hand that has glitter on it, then spread your fingers out. What do you see?

4. Now press the palms of your hands together and pull them apart. What do you notice about your hands?

5. Touch your helper’s hand. Now do you see anything on it?

6. Get a paper towel and use it to wipe your hands clean of all the glitter. Is it working?

7. After using the paper towel, try using soap and water to wash your hands. Did the glitter come off?

What Happened:

When you tried to use a paper towel to remove the glitter, some of the glitter probably came off, but most of it stayed on your hands.

But when you used soap and water to wash your hands, the glitter came off pretty easily.

The glitter is acting the same way that the germs on your hands act – there are a lot of them, they spread around easily, and it can be tough to get them off.

The difference is that germs are so small you can’t see them without a microscope, so you have to know when you may have come into contact with germs and wash your hands often.

If you accidentally touched your mouth, nose, or eyes while doing this experiment, you may have found glitter getting left behind near these areas.

Germs travel the same way and can easily enter your body if you touch your face with dirty hands, which can make you sick.

That’s why it’s important to wash your hands before you eat. It is also important to wash your hands after touching something that might have germs, such as when you use the bathroom or play outside.

If you don’t, the germs can easily spread to more places and to other people and cause sickness.

Germ Experiment #2

Growing germs.

Germs can be found just about everywhere, but some places have more germs than others. Try this experiment to see where germs are hidden.

( Note: This experiment takes a week to complete. )

• An adult helper
• Sharp knife
• 4 Ziplock bags
• Masking tape

1. Have your adult helper wash his or her hands, put the gloves on, and then cut the potato in four equal pieces.

2. Take the first potato piece and put it in one of the bags. Seal the bag. Use the marker to write on the masking tape and label this bag as “control.”

3. Pick a surface – such as a countertop, sink, or a floor – and while wearing the gloves, rub the second potato piece on it. Place the potato slice in a bag and label it with the surface it was rubbed on.

4. Take the third potato piece outside and lay it in a flower bed, a puddle, or something similar. Place the potato slice in a bag and label it with the outside area it was placed in.

5. Finally, touch the fourth potato piece all over with your bare hands. Place the potato slice in a bag and label it “touched with hands.”

6. Take all four bags and place them in a dark area at room temperature, like a closet or cupboard. Leave them there for a week. After the week has passed, pull the bags out and look at the potato pieces. (Don’t take the potatoes out of the bags.) What do you see on the pieces? Which potato has the most growth on it? Which potato has the least? Why do you think this is?

7. When you are done looking at the potatoes, have an adult pour a little bleach into each bag, seal the bags, and then throw them away.

These are germs, called mold and bacteria, growing on the pieces. T

he number of germs has grown so large that now you can see them without a microscope (like the piece of bread in the picture).

The potato pieces that were handled by you, rubbed on a surface and placed outside probably had the most growth on them.

That’s because the potatoes picked up germs from those places. The potato piece that did not touch anything probably has the least amount of growth on it, because it didn’t touch anything that had germs.

But that potato piece is important because it lets you see how many germs already existed on the potato.

The other potato pieces probably had just as many germs on them from the start, but once they touched other things, the potato pieces picked up more germs and the germs began to grow more than the germs on the first potato.

Learn About Germs

Doctors can use microscopes to determine what type of germs are causing someone to be sick.

This allows them to determine the best medicine to help the person get well. There are different kinds of germs, but two of the most common are bacteria (say BACK-TEER-EE-YA) and viruses  (say VY-RUHS-IZ).

The picture to the right shows different types of bacteria at 400x magnification, click on the picture for a larger view.

Bacteria are little creatures made of one cell. They live everywhere and get their food from the environment they live in.

For instance, bad bacteria in your mouth like to eat the sugar that sticks to your teeth. They then produce toxins (say TOK-SINS) that cause bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.

The best way to prevent these germs is to brush and floss your teeth daily and eat a diet low in sugar so this bacteria has nothing to feed on.

This picture shows salmonella bacteria cells, which live in raw meat and other foods and can cause people to get very sick.

Viruses can only survive by living in the cells of a living thing like a person, plant, or animal. They can spread through the body and make its host (the plant, animal, or person it is living in) very sick. The flu, cold sores, and chickenpox are all caused by viruses.

Helpful Germs

While it is common to believe that all germs are bad, most germs do not harm you at all and some are even good for you.

In the stomach, there are helpful germs that help you digest your food and produce vitamins that keep you healthy.

There are germs on your skin that keep your skin healthy and help keep bad germs from getting in your body.

Some germs are actually grown to be used as medicine to fight other germs. Penicillin is a common medicine that actually comes from mold and kills many harmful types of bacteria.

Some scientists now believe that being exposed to some germs is good for you because it helps build up your immune system  (say IM-YOON SIS-TEM), your body’s defense system to fight off and protect you from the bad germs.

If your immune system meets some of these bad germs in small quantities, it will recognize them as being bad and be faster at fighting them off if a larger number enter your body later.

Still, it is important to protect yourself from harmful germs so that you don’t get sick.

Ways to Prevent Germs

The best way to fight bad germs is to wash your hands often with soap and warm water.

But you need to be a good hand-washer to help protect yourself from bad germs.

When you wash your hands, first wet them with warm water. Then apply soap and form a lather by rubbing your hands together. Do this for about 15-20 seconds, or about the time it takes to sing the ABC s.

Make sure to scrub in between your fingers and underneath your nails, as bad germs like to hide in these places. Rinse your hands well with warm water, then dry them with a clean towel.

You should wash your hands after playing outdoors or touching animals, before you eat, after you use the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing.

This printable hand-washing guide makes a great teaching tool and visual aid for discussing germs with children.

Another good way to fight bad germs is to take care of yourself. Eat lots of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are very good for you and help strengthen your immune system, giving you a better chance to fight off diseases that could otherwise make you sick. Getting exercise and plenty of sleep also helps support your immune system.

Printable Worksheet

This worksheet about germs has six pictures – kids can circle the ones that show germs being prevented and cross out the ones that show germs being spread.

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North Ossetia – Birthplace of Mystical Alania

Snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, popular shrines of traditional Ossetian religion, ancient watch tower, Dargvas, the city of dead and the most pleasant capital Vladikavkaz. Yes, rattling off all of North Ossetia’s wonders leaves you breathless, like the natural beauty of this Russian Republic. The place breathes history . Starting with the Alans, ancient warriors of the Caucasus region to World War II, when the Germany attempt to grab the oilfields of the Caucasus region was stopped right there.

Ossetian countryside with an ancient watchtower, so typical for the Caucasus region

Vladikavkaz- Ruler of the Caucasus North Ossetia

It took me a while to pronounce the name of North Ossetia’s lovely capital Vladikavkaz  without difficulty. Only when a local explained its meaning „Ruler of the Caucasus “ , it rolled from my lips like honey . Founded in 1784 as a Russian fortress, it control led the only road linking Russia and Georgia at that time . I am not ashamed to admit that I had not heard of this town before I decided to do this trip. This city is only a two hours flight from Moscow and served as my jumping board for all onward travel.

Approaching Vladikavkaz by plane

The Saint Petersburg of the Cauacus

Vladikavkaz rightly prides itself of this title. T he streets of the Old City are lined with late grand 19th and early 20th century houses built for Russian army officers and merchants. I spent the hot parts of the days in Kosta Khetagurov Park

and strolled the banks of   River Terek in the evening , I visited picturesque churches and the most beautiful Mukhtarov Mosque .

Mukhtarov Mosque on the Banks of the River Terek

It sits right on the river and I first thought it was a church, since I had never before seen a mosque made of brick stones. I was invited inside by the caretaker , only when I saw the carpet after entering, I realized where I was . Arriving so totally unprepared without a headscarf and short sleeves irritated some men and I spent less time there than I would have liked.

Prospekt Mira (Peace Avenue) with ist 19th century houses

When I got tired of walking Vladikavkaz I hoped on a tram and enjoyed the quiet pace of provincial life from this perspective. Another highlight was watching families in the amusement park overlooking the river . Nobody seemed to be in a hurry. I watched life go by sitting on a tree-covered bench on car-free Prospekt Mira (Avenue of Peace), visited museums or hang out in cafes. Night life was not always, but sometimes is was great. Unforgettable a bar packed with young people, a small band was playing and a local celebrity grabbed the mike. A group of young ladies took me under their wings, and I left with cherished memories.

Vladikavkaz’s nightlife, great music and lovely people

The other must visit is a Retro USSR bar which has been operating for 100 years . People squash into small cubicles holding large mugs of beer that have to be picked up at the counter. Our little group was such a novelty that the regulars keep buying us so many drinks that we could not possible down them all.

Retro USSR bar, locals bought us so much beer we had to pass it on  

Hotel Vladikavkaz- great for people watching

The best place to view the snow-covered mountain peaks surrounding Vladikavkaz was from the Old Bridge or my room at Hotel Vladikavkaz , which was also overlooking Terek R iver and the amusement park . My most exciting moments on my balcony were the arrivals of weeding parties , which was quite a commotion.

Wedding Party arriving a Hotel Vladikavkaz

The convoy of expensive cars could be heard long before they pulled into the parking lots. The honking was deafening once they arrived, young beautiful women and middle aged men were then ushered into the hotel by friends and family clapping and singing. Once I sneaked into one of the posh parties, the noise of the music was earsplitting, and I was not sure if it was that much fun for most of the guests.

The location of the hotel is awesome and its veranda a place to linger forever (great WIFI) and do some serious people watching.

View from my hotel window, amusement park near River Terek

Caucasus wrestlers

Wrestling has a long tradition in the Caucasian Republics of Ossetia, Chechnya and Dagestan. Each has its own statistics that make it the number 1! By pure accident I learned that Vladikavkaz has a famous state-of-the-art wrestling academy. Nothing would have stopped me from visiting. I enjoyed an English-speaking tour through the premises, gyms, top equipment, sauna, pool. The academy hosts teams from all over the world also the USA, the fee is € 50 a day and kids a young as 9 years old start their training here. 

Wrestling Academy Vladikavkaz

Unfortunately, there was no training session while I visited, only a kind of rugby baske t ball match . Life in the region comes to a stand-still, when two champions fight each other in a tournament, especially if it one of them is American.

Wrestling Academy in Vladikavkaz

Vladikavkaz and the Caucasus in World War II  

On the outskirts of Vladikavkaz a memorial reminds of the Russian soldiers fallen in the battle of Vladikavkaz. Right beside the memorial is a huge mass grave, it was exactly here where the Germany army was stopped in the Caucaus . Hitler’s focus was on the rich oilfields of the Caucasus, which ironically supplied the German tanks and plane with fuel between 1939 and 1941. Before Hitler’s invasion of the USSR, Germany received 910.000 tons of oil from Stalin’s USSR, which made the quick advance of the German army and the use of its plane possible.

Words War II Memorial near Vladikavkaz, the front line was right there, this is how far the Germany army advanced

World War II Memorial near Vladikavkaz

Dargavs – The City of the Dead

A grassy hill dotted with little white huts was my first view of Dargavs. The two-hour drive from Vladikavkaz (US30 for the taxi) took me through stunning scenery, snow—capped mountains, greens meadows. Of course, I had prepared myself for this excursion, but I was still overwhelmed by this necropolis. A total of 95 stone crypts rise up the hillside in a very organized manner.  At the back of the complex is a watch tower whose top part has been destroyed. It is said that the tower was placed there to watch over the resting souls.

City of Dead, Dargavs 35 little crypts perched on a h ill

The tombs themselves are shaped like huts with curved roofs going inwards in steps and pointed peaks at the top, typical of Nakh architecture. If there is no pointed peak that means the family had no more surviving sun. The crypts tell even more about a family, the higher they were, the higher was their social status. The really big ones held up to 100 corpses.

City of Dead- Dargavs

The bodies were put in what looked little small canoes and shoved into the tiny opening. In some of the crypts you could peak through tiny openings and see the bones, some even wrapped in fabrics. I was told that until not too long ago the corpses wore rings and necklaces. Unbelievable, but recently visitors lost the respect for the dead and stole these precious bits, so the remaining jewelry was taken to a nearby museum. Actually, the site was closed down two months before my arrival, since visitors took photos of themselves with skulls. Only recently had it reopened.

Body were shoved into the structure in small wooden canoe-like coffins

The drive back to Vladikavkaz was equally spectacular, first through a small gorge following a river and then up an unpaved road with stunning vista of snowcapped mountains.

Ossetia’s countryside

Here in Dargavs I learned there were different types towers: Signal towers were high up in mountain and narrow. Towers served also as fortresses when under attack, they were wider and had up to three floors, since people found shelter there. Also amazing the time span they were being built, starting in the 5th century BC till 18th Century

Modern Monaster ies, Medieval R ock- F ortress and Pagan Saints

Not too far from Vladikavkaz is Fiagdon Monastery, an all-male monastery, which was only completed 2002. The monks collect herbs for making tea and produce cheese and honey. It looks way to modern but since I passed by I stopped to take a look.

our little gang that went to South and North Ossetia together

Much more interesting was the Medieval rock-fortress in the village of Dzivgis , which I would not have recognized as such, since it blends perfectly into the high cliff it was built in. In case of an attack the population of the whole gorge could find protection there.

Medival fortress

The Uastyrdzhi monument  catches the unknow traveler by surprise. In Ossetian folklore Uastyrdzhi   is the name of Saint George. He is the patron of the male sex and travellers. It is forbidden for women to pronounce his name, instead they must call him  “the saint of men”. When following the Ossetian Military Road along the River Ardon, it suddenly pops out of the rock. The horse’s hoof is 120 cm, and the palm of George can fit a man. But that is not all. Another place where he is worshipped looks like a church, especially since two small bells hung from a pole right next to it. The story goes that the people kept the bell but also their ancient belief. Since the end of the USSR the cult of Uastyrdzhi has enjoyed renewed popularity.

Uastyrdzhi Memorial = the name of Saint George.

Every year in fall lots of people gather for a big festival to celebrate Uastyrdzhi. The worshipping involved toasts made by an elderly from a wooden mug, who is assisted by two young men. Inside the small museum was a big painting of the very man with a long white beard riding a white horse, the mug and a chain hanging from the ceiling, so typcial for Ossetia.

Inside little museum where Uastyrdzhi is being worshipped

Three Days of September 2004 – The Siege of Beslan School Nr 1

Beslan is a small quiet town in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia in the Caucasus . Its streets are lined with brick-stone houses shaded by chestnut-trees, well-tended flower gardens adorn the front and vegetable gardens the back. Beslan could serve as a cliché-like model for a pastoral painting, if there had not been those 3 days in September 2004. On September 1st, t he gym of Beslan ’ s School Nr 1 became the epicenter of the hostage taking that resulted in the death of 335 mostly women and children three days later .

The former gym of Beslan School Nr 1, now a memorial to remind the 335 victims that were kept there for three days with water and food

In Beslan neighbors, family and friends sit outside their houses, chat and a random car or person go by. Children play in the street and a stranger like me walking by causes attention. When I took photos of the flower gardens, some locals were so touched, they took me inside to show me the gardens behind, I was offered food, teach and sweets. 

Beslan: beautiful flower gardens in front of the houses

Local family invited me for lunch and showed off their garden

I stayed with a family who fed me during my three day stay since I could not detect any eatery. The woman had learned some basic English and with google translator we managed to communicate.

Natascha cooking in the super hot little kitchen

Tiny tables, require creativity, stool goes sideways

On September 1 st , 2004, n eatly dressed children with balloons and flowers arrived for the traditional first day-of-school ceremony accompanied by parents and relative s . This moment of joy and happiness suddenly turned into a unparallel ed drama that lasted for three day:  more than 1100 children, parents and teachers were taken hostage by a terrorist group demanding independence for Chechnya.

Water bottled remind of the relentless thirst the children and adults suffered from

Forced into the gym where temperatures reached 40 degrees, the hostages were denied water and food, while the over 30 terrorists planted bombs all over the building. On the third day in an abysmal chaos of explosions, fire and gunshots 335 people were killed. In the video „The Children of Beslan“ children who survived remember those three days, the best documentary in my eyes. Unfiltered, the children talk about what seems unspeakable.

The former gym of Beslan school Nr 1.

In the few sequences of the video that show the end of the siege, even the most uninformed viewer immediately realizes the absolute chaos that dominated the event. To this day, countless questions of the parents have remained unanswered.

Photos of the victims on the wall of the Former gym, most of them children, give the horrid numbers a face

The victims were buried in a new cemetery a bit outside of Beslan, all the tomb stone are made of the same stone, symbolizing the same tragic fate. I passed one grave with five tomb stones, all members of the same family. It is impossible to comprehend the grief and pain that still haunts Beslan.

Another tragic story of is the one of Vitaly Kaloyev , an architect and native of Vladikavkaz. He lost lost his wife and two small children when  two planes collided mid-air over Germany on June 1, 2002. Kaloyev held Peter Nielsen, the sole air traffic controller in Switzerland who was handling traffic the night of the collision, responsible. In 2004, Kaloyev travelled to the Swiss  town of Knoten where he killed Nielsen, who had since retired from air traffic work.

Later, after his release from prison, Kaloyev was appointed deputy minister of construction of North Ossetia-Alania . In 2016, upon retirement from the local Ossetian government, Kaloyev was awarded the highest regional medal by that government, the medal “To the Glory of Ossetia”. The medal is awarded for the highest achievements, improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of the region, for educating the younger generation and maintaining law and order.

Vital Kaloyev touching the grave of his wife and two children

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Beslan , Dargavs , Fiagdon Monastery , Mukhtarov Mosque; Vladikavkaz , Uastyrdzhi , Vladikavkaz , Wrestling Academy

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The North Ossetia - Alania Republic, Russia

The capital city of North Ossetia republic: Vladikavkaz .

The North Ossetia - Alania Republic - Overview

The Republic of North Ossetia - Alania is a federal subject of Russia located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus, part of the North Caucasian Federal District. Vladikavkaz is the capital city of the region.

The population of the North Ossetia - Alania Republic is about 688,100 (2022), the area - 7,987 sq. km.

North Ossetia republic flag

North ossetia republic coat of arms.

North Ossetia republic anthem

North ossetia republic map, russia, north ossetia republic latest news and posts from our blog:.

13 April, 2021 / Mountain Landscapes of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania .

6 October, 2020 / The City of the Dead in Dargavs .

26 June, 2018 / Beauty of Mountainous Digoria in North Ossetia .

28 May, 2016 / Stunning nature of the Caucasus - climbing Stolovaya Mountain .

History of the North Ossetia - Alania Republic

From the first millennium BC, Koban culture was spread on the territory of present North Ossetia. It was named after the village of Koban located in Tagaur canyon, where ancient archaeological monuments were found. Since the 7th century BC, the Scythian tribes began to settle in the Central Caucasus.

Koban population assimilated among the Scythians and then the Sarmatians, some of whom switched to a settled agricultural economy. By the 2nd century AD, the Sarmatians of South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia united under a new name - the Alans. Like the Scythians, the Alans used Derbent pass and the passes of the Greater Caucasus for their raids.

In 372, the nomadic tribes of the Huns invaded Europe from Central Asia. This invasion was the reason of migration of the Alans to the most inaccessible mountain areas on both slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. In the 6th-7th centuries, Alania was again a relatively powerful state with a dense network of well-fortified settlements, developed agriculture, trade and crafts. At the beginning of the 10th century, Orthodoxy became the state religion in Alania.

In the 12th century, Alania experienced the feudal period and was divided into principalities fighting against each other. They were unable to unite against the Mongols who invaded the region in the 13th century. In 1222, the Mongolian army defeated the Alanian army. In January 1239, after a three-month siege, the Alanian capital of Magas was captured. The Mongols ravaged the plain part of the country, but the resistance continued in the mountain areas.

More Historical Facts…

The final blow in a series of tragic events of the 13th-14th centuries was the invasion of the troops of Tamerlane in 1395. Almost all of the Alans were killed, the state of the Alans collapsed. The survivors took refuge in the mountains where they mingled with the local population of other language group and later became known as the Ossetians.

In the 15th-17th centuries, the Ossetians fought for survival in extremely cramped conditions of the mountains (the plain was occupied by Adygeyan tribes). In the 18th century, the Ossetians were in need for resettlement on the plane because of the extreme shortage of land. Ossetia was also important for Russia, as the region that controlled the strategic passes in the Caucasus.

In 1774, the territory of North Ossetia was among the first regions in the North Caucasus, which joined the Russian Empire. Vladikavkaz, founded in 1784, became the first Russian fortress in the area. In the 19th century, the Ossetians migrated from the mountains to the plains and outskirts of Mozdok.

In Soviet times, Ossetia was divided into two parts. The part north of the Caucasian ridge came under the jurisdiction of the RSFSR (present Russian Federation), the part to the south came under control of the Georgian SSR. In 1921, Ossetia became part of Gorskaya Soviet Republic. It received the status of an autonomous oblast in 1924. In 1936, it was reformed into North Ossetian Soviet Socialist Republic.

During the Second World War, fierce battles took place on the territory of the republic, the northern and western parts of North Ossetia were occupied by the Germans. In November, 1942, the German advance was stopped near Ordzhonikidze (Vladikavkaz). About 85,000 people were drafted into the Soviet Army in the republic and almost 45,000 of them were killed.

During the war, the territory inhabited by the Ingush, who were deported for “collaboration” with the Germans, was joined to North Ossetia. Empty villages were inhabited by the Ossetians from North Ossetia, the South Ossetian Autonomous District and inner districts of the Georgian SSR.

The Ingush, who returned home in the 1950s, were given back part of their former territory. Instead of Prigorodny district, which then belonged to North Ossetia, they received the land taken from Stavropol krai. But the Ingush demanded that the eastern part of Prigorodny district should be returned to them. In 1992, an armed conflict broke out because of territorial disputes.

In 1993, the region received a new name - the Republic of North Ossetia. In January 1995, it received its present name - the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania.

In the 1990s and in the early 21st century, several major terrorist attacks occurred on the territory of the republic related to the wars in Chechnya including the taking of hostages in the school #1 in Beslan in 2004. This terrorist act led to serious political consequences not only for the republic but also for Russia in general (the system of election of regional governors was abolished).

North Ossetia - Features

The territory of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania stretches from north to south for 120 km, from west to east - 125 km. The highest peak is Mount Kazbek (5,033 meters). The Terek is the main river.

It is one of the most densely populated Russian regions. About half of the population lives in Vladikavkaz. The largest cities and towns are Vladikavkaz (298,800), Mozdok (41,000), Beslan (37,300), Alagir (19,400), Ardon (19,200). The national composition according to the 2010 census: Ossetians (64.5%), Russians (20.6%), Ingush (4.0%), Armenians (2.3%), Kumyks (2.3%), Georgians (1.3%).

The climate is moderately continental in the central part and foothills. The average temperature in January is about minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 20.4 degrees Celsius. The natural resources of the region include complex ores containing zinc, lead, copper, silver, dolomites, mineral water springs. Also there are several oil deposits. Forests cover about 22% of the territory.

The main industries of the republic are non-ferrous metallurgy, machine-building, mining (non-ferrous ores, construction materials), electronics, light, glass, food. Several large plants producing spirits are located in Vladikavkaz and Beslan.

Two main highways (Georgian Military Road and Transkam) pass through the territory of North Ossetia connecting Russia with the South Caucasus countries and the Middle East.

Tourism in North Ossetia - Alania

Since the middle of the 19th century, Ossetia was positioned as one of the tourist centers in the North Caucasus. The Soviet period was the next milestone in the development of a recreational complex of the republic. By the early 1990s, spa treatment and tourist-excursion services became an important part of the local economy.

Today, North Ossetia may serve as a basis for the creation of a large health resort agglomeration, comparable to well-known Sochi-Matsesta and the Caucasian Mineral Waters regions.

The geographical location of the republic allows to organize year-round ski resorts. In addition to traditional forms of recreation, there is great potential for the development of extreme forms of recreation, agricultural and ecological tourism. North Ossetian State Nature Reserve is located in the upper reaches of the Tsey, Ardon and Fiagdon rivers.

The rich historical heritage of North Ossetia is of great value. The republic has more than 1,500 historical and cultural monuments. Vladikavkaz trams are one of the oldest tram systems in Russia (1904).

North Ossetia republic of Russia photos

The beauty of the mountainous north ossetia - alania.

Mountain valley in North Ossetia

Author: Dmitry Zhmakin

The North Ossetia Republic scenery

Author: Ivan Diakonenko

Skiing in the North Ossetia Republic

Author: Yegorin Sergey

North Ossetia - Alania scenery

Horses in the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania

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• Republic of North Ossetia-Alania

  The ancient architectural complex in Dargavs in the Republic of North Ossetia definitely deserves to be more well known and would even seem to be a good candidate for full UNESCO World Heritage status. This area has been inhabited since the bronze age and it is thought to be the centre of what was known as Tagauria - which believed to be a society formed of the descendants of Taga, and perhaps even Taga himself lived here. The buildings on the hill were never used as homes, they are in fact tombs and the whole site is a graveyard. For this reason it is often referred to as the City of the Dead.

  It is not known for sure when they were built but some experts believe the first ones date back to the 12th century. In total there are just under 100 of them of varying sizes and at the top of the hill is a watchtower. The largest tombs have three layers and each layer has its own window to allow the air to circulate. A warning before you look into these windows though: the bodies are still there. Some now are just skeletons while others have mummified to some degree. What is especially interesting is that some of them are in specially made boats, even though the neighbouring River Gizeldon is not navigable. It is assumed that these boats were needed to take the souls into the next world. In times of plague, those infected would spend their last days in the tombs alongside their dead relatives. All in all this is certainly one of the most mysterious, and let’s be honest creepy, sites in Russia.

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