Extension Mixes Soap with Science

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2009

It is a simple fact that good Handwashing practices reduce the risk of germs being spread and people getting sick; but getting busy kids (and even some adults) to take action on it is not always so easy. Research completed by the American Society for Microbiology has shown more than once that a surprisingly low number of adults even take time to wash their hands after using public bathrooms and even fewer use soap. In fact, a 2006 study revealed that among middle school youth polled, only 50% percent of the total group washed their hands after using the restroom, and of those, only 33% of the girls and 8% of the boys, bothered to use soap. Gross!

University of Illinois Extension's 4-H Youth Development program is taking Handwashing talk and techniques on the road to area schools this fall and winter. The mission: to help students in grades 3-12 actually SEE why Handwashing matters. Using a combination of visuals and fast-paced activities, students are getting acquainted with some of the most common bacteria and viruses; observing germs actually collected on their school site; growing their own germs; and ultimately accepting a challenge to find out just how skilled they are at getting their hands clean. As part of the presentation, affectionately known as "Fight BAC with Handwashing," germs go from being fantastical invisible creatures to being real-life trouble-makers.

Forty to sixty minute classroom presentations are given by Ogle County Extension educators and are being offered to Ogle County teachers of grades 3-12 as part of the '09-'10 4-H School Enrichment Program this year. Interested teachers are encouraged to visit the Ogle County Extension website for more information, www.extension.uiuc.edu/ogle. Participating classrooms to date for the current school year have included Etnyre School fifth graders, Oregon; and Meridian Junior High School eighth graders, Stillman Valley.