Target

Families

Thematic

Biology | Human body | Microbiome

Ciência Viva at home

Bathroom

Keywords

biology | health | hygiene | microbiology

Duration

30 min

Typology

Experimental protocol

Visits to the bathroom are usually solitary moments, and many of us take this opportunity to organize our minds. However, are we really alone there? Surfaces of the bathroom, and of the whole house, are covered by tiny living beings, so small that they are only visible under the microscope. These creatures, called microorganisms or microbes, are everywhere. They are our constant companion.
Most microbes are harmless, but some of them that can cause serious illnesses, especially if we are not careful to wash our hands. Microbes are common on the surfaces of the bathroom, for example, they can take a ride in our hands and spread throughout the house without us realizing it.

This activity comes under the program #cienciavivaathome. From the kitchen to the bathroom, even walking through the garage, no room was left out: after all, science is everywhere!