Display a poster, or other illustration of the space shuttle and planned International Space Station ( http://spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov or http://www.nasa.gov/). Ask students to identify who will travel in the shuttle and live in the space station. Display photographs of astronauts sleeping, eating, bathing, and using the toilet. Discuss the new hygiene problems in a zero gravity environment (i.e. everything floats; toilets must be fitted with suction to contain wastes).

Ask student to contrast hygiene habits in space to those on earth. Highlight how much easier it is to maintain personal cleanliness at home and school, as compared to outer space.

Illustrate a sick child. Ask students to describe how he or she became ill. Define the word germ, "a small bacterium, virus, or fungus." Ask students how they feel when ill (e.g. upset stomach, hot temperature). Show photos of common pathogenic organisms, (e.g. a cold virus). Describe the body's defenses of skin and respiratory system that fight infections. Demonstrate common methods of germ transmission, (i.e. sneezing, coughing, touching toys and other people, touching a toilet). Invite students to either draw a picture of a germ as they imagine it, or act as a germ in a game of charades.

Ask volunteers to identify habits that promote health and prevent disease. List responses on the chalkboard including washing hands with soap and water BEFORE eating, AFTER sneezing or coughing, AFTER playing outdoors, AFTER playing with pets, and AFTER using the toilet. Other habits to emphasize include using tissues when sneezing or coughing, bathing and shampooing, and brushing teeth.

Students can create their own storybooks using construction paper and stencils. Encourage students to illustrate good personal health habits and decorate books with paint, stickers, markers, etc. Post story books on school classroom or hallway bulletin boards to encourage others to learn more about healthy habits.

Demonstrate using a facial tissue when sneezing or coughing. Use classroom or restroom sinks to demonstrate proper behaviors for hand washing and tooth brushing. Divide students into pairs to practice these habits.

Student participation in class discussion about personal health and hygiene behaviors; accuracy of student-created storybooks featuring good personal health habits; direct observation of students as they practice washing hands before eating daily snacks or lunch, and brushing teeth; data on daily record calendar page.

References:

1. Joint Commission on Health Education Standards. National Health Education Standards. Washington, D.C., 1995;

2. AL State Department of Education. Course of Study: Health Education. Montgomery, AL: Curriculum Assistance Section, 1997;

3. Andrews, SB & Kirschenbaum, A. Living in Space. Operation Liftoff: Elementary Space Program. Book I. Levels A, B, C for grades 1, 2, 3. Washington, D.C.: NASA, 1987;