The Badge Archive

Toothpaste Cleanup

Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Junior Cybersecurity Basics badge requirements.

Items needed

  • A tube of toothpaste for each small group or individual scout (travel size works best)
  • Paper plates (one for each group or scout)
  • (For Junior Cybersecurity) Paper Towels for each scout

Instructions

  1. Give each scout or small group a tube of toothpaste and a paper plate.
  2. Ask them to squeeze the toothpaste onto the plate to create any design they like.
  3. Once they finish their designs, tell them it’s time to clean up. Ask them to try putting as much toothpaste as possible back into the tube.
    • Scouts will notice they can only get a small amount—or nothing at all—back inside the tube. Explain that this shows how some things, like hurtful words or actions, cannot be undone once they’ve been said or done.
  4. For Junior Cybersecurity: Give them all a paper towel and ask them to wipe the paper plate clean.
    • When scouts try wiping the remaining toothpaste off the plate completely, point out how some residue remains on the plate, even after cleaning. Explain that this represents data or content shared online—it may spread and leave traces that cannot be fully removed, even if you try to delete it.

Variations

  1. Glitter Spill: Give scouts a small container of glitter and a plate. Ask them to pour the glitter onto the plate and then try to put it back into the container. They’ll see how hard it is to clean up completely, just like unkind words leave a lasting mess.
  2. Paper Tear: Provide scouts with a piece of paper and ask them to tear it into pieces. Then challenge them to put it back together perfectly using tape or glue. This shows how hurtful actions can cause damage that is hard to repair.
  3. Feather Drop: Give scouts a handful of feathers or paper cutouts. Ask them to scatter the feathers and then try to pick them all up. Like words or actions, feathers can spread far and be hard to gather completely.
  4. Squeezed Water Bottle: Give scouts a bottle of water to squeeze onto a plate or into a bowl. Ask them to try putting the water back into the bottle. This illustrates how some things cannot return to the way they were.
  5. Markers on Fabric: Provide a piece of scrap fabric and washable markers. Ask scouts to draw or write on the fabric, then attempt to wash the marks off. While they may fade, the marks often remain—similar to how unkindness can leave a lasting impression.

References

Nault, Katy. “Words Can’t Be Taken Back: Toothpaste Squeeze Activity.” Responsive Classroom, 21 Oct. 2024, http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/respectful-language-toothpaste-squeeze-activity/. Accessed 06 April 2025.

Tia Kennard