======Simulating a Sneeze======


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**Alternative titles:** Respiratory Hygiene Activity
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  -Divide participants into small groups of 4–5 and provide each group with a “sneeze runway” (paper), a spray bottle with colored water, a ruler/tape measure, gloves, and tissues.
  -Have each group predict how far they think droplets from a sneeze will travel by placing post-it notes with their names on the runway.
  -Simulate a sneeze by spraying a spray bottle with colored water over a "sneeze runway" (paper), and measure how far and wide the droplets spread; record results on the worksheet.
  -Repeat the sneeze with a gloved hand held in front of the bottle; observe that droplets are blocked but remain on the “hand.”
  -Repeat the sneeze with a tissue held in front of the bottle; observe how well the tissue contains the spray.
  -Discuss the differences between the methods and why tissues are the most effective at reducing the spread of microbes.



====Links==== 
📄 Respiratory hygiene activity - Future Learn: [[https://ugc.futurelearn.com/uploads/files/e2/80/e2800c11-3d32-4c12-bf72-c5137c59b902/Respiratory_Hygiene__Spreading_Bugs_.pdf]]\\

====Variations====
  *For younger students, shorten the runway and use less spray for easier clean-up.
  *For older students, calculate average distances and areas of spread, then compare across groups.
  *Demonstrate with UV fluorescent spray under a blacklight to visualize germs on hands and surfaces.



====Safety Precautions====
  *Ensure no participants are directly in front of the spray bottle when in use.
  *Check for allergies to gloves or food coloring before starting.
  *Use non-latex gloves to avoid allergic reactions.
  *Clean up all spray and dispose of tissues properly.
  *Wash hands thoroughly after the activity.




====Questions to Consider====
  *How far did the sneeze droplets travel compared to your prediction? (Answers will vary, but often farther than expected.)
  *What happened when a hand was used to cover the sneeze? (Droplets stayed on the hand and could spread by touch.)
  *Why was a tissue more effective than a hand? (It trapped droplets and could be disposed of, preventing further spread.)
  *What kinds of illnesses are commonly spread by sneezing and coughing? (Colds, flu, other respiratory viruses.)
  *What is the best way to prevent spreading germs when sneezing? (Use a tissue or sneeze into your elbow, then wash hands.)