Activity 1: Good bugs and bad bugs - text only

We all live with a lot of different bugs.

Some are good and some are bad.

Bugs are tiny living organisms, called micro-organisms because they are so small you can only see them with a powerful microscope.


Micro-organisms are so small we can only see them with a powerful microscope.

Use our ZOOM control to see for yourself, press the + button a few times…


Our bodies are home to many good bugs, they keep us healthy and protect us from illnesses by keeping bad bugs out…


We’re going to investigate the different types of bugs that are found on your body. Click on a part of the body then click on the petrie dish to see the bugs up close.

Feet: Washing your feet prevents the growth of harmful bugs which cause verrucas, athlete’s foot and smelly feet.

Hands: Dirty hands are great for bad bugs to grow! They are perfect to help spread them.

Teeth: When you don’t brush your teeth bag bugs that cause tooth decay grow on them.

Nose: Lots of bugs live in your nose, so when you sneeze the bugs spray out, so always use a clean hankie.


The best way to make sure that those nasty bugs don’t make you ill is to keep clean. That means you should bath or shower, brush your teeth and don’t forget to wash your hands regularly.


Click on the hands and mouth to show what happens after cleaning. Even after washing you hands and brushing your teeth you can see there are still some bugs left – some of these are good bugs.