Simulating a Sneeze

Students simulate sneezing using a spray bottle filled with colored water to observe how far droplets travel and how infection spreads. They test different methods of covering a sneeze - no cover, covering with a hand, and covering with a tissue, to learn the most effective way to prevent the spread of microbes.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Repeat the sneeze with a gloved hand held in front of the bottle; observe that droplets are blocked but remain on the “hand.”
5. Repeat the sneeze with a tissue held in front of the bottle; observe how well the tissue contains the spray.
6. Discuss the differences between the methods and why tissues are the most effective at reducing the spread of microbes.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.)