STEAM NightStation operators · prep and learn

🦠 Which Plate Came From Where?

Guess where the germs came from. Draft: not yet checked

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⏳ Needs time to bake

Swab and plate 5 to 7 days before, after a check with the school. Grow the plates at room temperature, not somewhere hot.

Quick start

  1. (Prep, 5–7 days before.) Swab each spot, gently zigzag the swab on a plate, label it, and tape it shut.
  2. (Event.) Kids look at the numbered plates and match them to the place cards.
  3. A volunteer reveals the answers and explains.
  4. Afterward, dispose of plates without opening them (adult only).

Ask, instead of explaining: Which place do you think grew the most germs?

Learn: the idea

Germs are too small to see one at a time. Put them on special jelly food, and in a few days millions grow into dots you can see. Different places grow different amounts.

Prep
  • Check with the school first, then swab about 10 places, 5 to 7 days before.
  • Label each plate and tape it shut.
  • Grow them at room temperature.
  • Make a guess card for each.

Crew for prep: 1 person, about 1 hr. Prep happens ahead of time: see Needs time to bake.

During the event: 1 volunteer. Setup about 10 min. Runs the guessing game and the reveal

Tips

  • This is a display station with no consumables per kid. About a week before, swab around 10 places on campus (water fountain, door handle, lunch table, phone, and so on), then grow the plates at room temperature.
  • Tape the plates shut. Kids never open them.
  • Kids guess which plate matches which place with a card or sticker vote. Then reveal the answers.
  • Optional: a "wash your hands" plate showing before and after handwashing.
Safety
  • Plates stay taped shut.
  • Adults only dispose of them, sealed, the way the school says.
  • Everyone washes hands after.
Turbo (only if we choose to)
  • "Glowing germs": kids rub on a harmless glow lotion (such as Glo Germ), wash their hands, then check under UV to see what they missed. It's a big hit after the plate guessing game.
Clean up
  • Wipe the table and put reusable items in your tote.
  • Bag the trash and wash hands.
  • Log anything borrowed so it can go back.
  • An adult disposes of the plates without opening them.