Irvington Middle School students in Karen Bodnar and Antionette Watkins’ science classes embarked on an exciting exploration of the human body, focusing on the immune system and how viruses are transmitted between people. They engaged in a hands-on activity involving harmless lotion to illustrate how quickly viruses can propagate among individuals.
The goal of the activity was to create a memorable and impactful lesson that would resonate with the students and help them make real-world connections. During the lesson, Bodnar and Watkins applied a simulated germ lotion to a pencil, which was then passed to an unsuspecting student. The students engaged in various classroom activities, leading to an inevitable spread of the “virus.” They used a black light to reveal the spread of the lotion, making it visible to all.
“This eye-opening experience illustrated just how quickly viruses can propagate among individuals,” Bodnar said. “The reaction from the students was both enthusiastic and enlightening. They quickly recognized the significance of handwashing, noting how the ‘virus’ spread without their awareness until it became visible. This led to meaningful discussions about hygiene practices and the importance of preventing illness.”
Prior to the demonstration, the students viewed “Osmosis Jones,” a film that presents the inner workings of the body in a fun and relatable way, highlighting the impact of a virus entering the system. The teachers expressed the hope that their students will remember the experience and understand the critical role of hygiene in preventing the spread of viruses.
“By engaging in this interactive lesson, students gained valuable insights into the immune system and the importance of protecting their health,” Bodnar said.
