Watchly Safety Review

How To See Germs Spread Experiment (Coronavirus)

8:37 · 41.2M views · March 18, 2020

Minor FlagsReviewed June 2026

5Minor Flags

This is an excellent science education video that uses a clever glowing powder experiment to demonstrate how germs spread in a classroom setting. Created during the early COVID-19 pandemic, it teaches proper handwashing techniques and germ transmission in an engaging, age-appropriate way that's both informative and reassuring.

Content Breakdown · 5 Categories

Hidden Advertising & Sponsored ContentA little

The video contains multiple product promotions and company plugs, though some are disclosed. The Glo Germ powder link is disclosed as 'not sponsored,' but there are promotional segments for CrunchLabs (creator's own company) and Carlyle Tools that blur the line between content and advertising.

See evidence (4)

“Here is the Glo Germ powder I used (not sponsored). This would make for a great science object lesson”Beginning of video - multiple promotional segments

“Tools on my bench from Carlyle- http://www.carlyletools.com/MarkRober/”

“I started a company called CrunchLabs where we build a toy together... check out the current promotion where you get 2 FREE boxes”

“You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel”

Parasocial & Emotional ManipulationA little

Minor parasocial elements detected in the form of direct audience address and subscription requests, but not to a manipulative degree. The tone is friendly and educational rather than emotionally exploitative.

See evidence (2)

“You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel”Beginning and end of video

“So if you ever meet me in real life, please don't be offended if in lieu of a handshake I offer you a fist bump and a selfie”

Toxic Behavior ModelingA little

Minor concern: The video shows the creator deliberately 'tricking' children twice during the experiment without full informed consent about what's happening. However, this is done in an educational context with teacher supervision and parental consent presumably obtained.

See evidence (2)

“The kids, of course, had no idea what we were doing and that the teacher had been secretly infected”Beginning of experiment

“First, I had them put some lotion on their hands... But then I told them I made a mistake and used the wrong lotion... I just tricked you guys again”After lunch experiment

Engagement Baiting & Manipulative CTAsA little

Minor engagement requests detected (subscription requests), but no guilt-tripping, superstition CTAs, fake giveaways, or 'true fans' exclusion language. The CTAs are straightforward and not manipulative.

See evidence (1)

“You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel cause we've got some bangers in the pipeline”Beginning of video

Playful & Fantasy ViolenceA little

Minor playful violence detected in the form of Star Wars Death Star metaphors used to explain virus transmission, and brief footage of children having a snowball fight at the very end. This is clearly stylized, metaphorical, and playful in nature.

See evidence (3)

“Your eyes, nose, and mouth are like the single weak spot on the Death Star when it comes to viruses”Middle section - Death Star analogy

“It's as futile as shooting the outer surface of the Death Star”Very end - snowball fight footage

“[End of video shows kids in snowball fight with sound effects: '(Mark screams) (snowballs thudding) (kids screaming)']”

What Parents Need to Know

This video discusses coronavirus (COVID-19) in an educational, non-alarming context from early 2020. While the pandemic messaging is now dated, the core science lessons about germ transmission and handwashing remain valuable. The video includes brief mentions of illness, death statistics from flu, and shows children's faces glowing under blacklight to reveal germs. The tone is optimistic and educational rather than fear-inducing, emphasizing practical hygiene habits. There's one moment where the creator playfully screams during a snowball fight at the end, but no concerning content otherwise.

Talk to Your Kids About

1Ask your child what surprised them most about how germs spread in the classroom experiment. Can they think of surfaces at home or school that might have lots of germs?
2Practice the 20-second handwashing technique together. What song could your family sing to make sure you wash long enough?
3Discuss why the video says not touching your face is so important. How many times do they think they touch their face in an hour?
4Talk about how being kind and helping others during difficult times (like the examples shown) is just as important as staying healthy.

How To See Germs Spread Experiment (Coronavirus)

Protected Viewing

What's This Video About?

Click here the most up-to-date info on Coronavirus COVID-19- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus Here is the Glo Germ powder I used (not sponsored). This would make for a great science object lesson- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FE1RQA2/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_WcMCEbWEKG9HR Tools on my bench from Carlyle- http://www.carlyletools.com/MarkRober/ I started a company called CrunchLabs where we build a toy together and then I teach you all the juicy physics for how it works. So if you want to learn to think like an engineer and have really fun time doing it, check out the current promotion where you get 2 FREE boxes at https://crunchlabs.com You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel cause we’ve got some bangers in the pipeline- https://www.youtube.com/crunchlabs Thanks to these folks for providing some of the music in the video: Ponder - https://youtube.com/@Pondermusic Laura Shigihara - @supershigi Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie Blue Wednesday - https://soundcloud.com/bluewednesday

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this video appropriate for young children or will it scare them about germs?

This video is age-appropriate and not scary. It presents germ science in a fun, visual way using glowing powder rather than frightening imagery. The tone is educational and optimistic, focusing on practical solutions like handwashing rather than creating anxiety about illness.

Does this video contain outdated or incorrect information about COVID-19?

The video was made in early 2020 and reflects the understanding and recommendations at that time. While some pandemic-specific messaging is dated, the core science about germ transmission, handwashing, and hygiene practices remains accurate and valuable. Parents may want to provide updated context about COVID-19 if children ask specific questions.

What educational value does this video provide for children?

This video excellently demonstrates scientific concepts through hands-on experimentation. Children learn about germ transmission, proper handwashing technique, surface contamination, and basic virology in an engaging way. It encourages critical thinking about hygiene habits and provides practical life skills that promote health.

Are there any concerning elements parents should know about?

The video is very safe overall. It briefly mentions death statistics from seasonal flu in a factual, non-graphic way and discusses illness transmission. There's no violence, inappropriate language, or scary content. The classroom experiment is conducted ethically with permission and demonstrates good science education practices.

Will this video make my child obsessive about germs or cleanliness?

The video promotes healthy hygiene habits without encouraging obsessive behavior. It presents germ awareness as practical and manageable rather than overwhelming. The tone is balanced, showing that while germs spread easily, simple actions like handwashing are effective solutions.

Is this video trying to sell products or promote anything?

The video mentions Glo Germ powder as an educational tool and references a Wall Street Journal article about phone cleaning, but it's not promotional in nature. The content is focused on science education rather than selling products, making it appropriate for educational viewing.

What age is "How To See Germs Spread Experiment (Coronavirus)" appropriate for?

Watchly's safety review recommends "How To See Germs Spread Experiment (Coronavirus)" for ages 5 and up. See the content breakdown above for the category-by-category findings behind this recommendation.