Chapter 14: Testing Properties of Matter: Which Facemask Materials are Most Effective for Preventing the Spread of Disease?

Wearing facemasks is an effective way to protect each other and ourselves from spreading and contracting diseases that infect humans through the respiratory system. However, not all facemasks are equally effective at preventing the spread of these diseases, including the COVID-19 virus. In this 5E lesson, students will determine the effectiveness of the materials of their facemasks and different types of cloth items they could use as face coverings by testing how well the materials absorb their breath. This lesson addresses the scientific concept that different properties of matter are suited for different purposes. After this 5E lesson, students will ideally come away with a deeper understanding of how viruses, like COVID-19, infect our bodies and why facemasks are very effective at preventing the spread of more transmissible and infectious viruses. They will develop the scientific knowledge needed to make decisions about the materials of the facemask they should wear during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future if they are feeling sick.