Format
1.) Introduction of key terminology
2.) Student volunteers read case histories of simulated patients and try to link symptoms to their recent travels
3.) Discussion of ways that infectious agents can emerge or re-emerge as epidemics due to multiple factors including: changes or evolution of existing organisms, spread of known agents to new geographic areas, ecological transformations, anti-microbial resistance, breakdowns of public health measures and changes in technology.
4.) Students are asked to list specific behaviors in a school environment that may raise the risk of pathogen transmission.
5.) The solution to the mysterious illness is revealed at the end and discussed.
Objectives
• Identify methods of infectious disease transmission (vector-borne, sexually transmitted, food-borne, airborne, direct contact)
• Define the terms “pandemic”, “epidemic” and “outbreak” and the geographic scale implied by each term.
* Work together with a team of students to analyze data from simulated patients, including recent travels, exposure to known pathogens, and symptoms.
• Understand that certain infectious agents pose a greater public health risk than others based on their ease of transmission or dissemination, mortality rates, potential for social disruption and level of public health preparedness.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
National Health Education Standards:
Grades 6-8: 1.8.1, 1.8.5, 1.8.6, 1.8.7, 1.8.8, 1.8.9, 3.8.4, 5.8.7, 7.8.1
Grades 9-12:1.12.1, 1.12.5, 1.12.8, 1.12.9, 3.12.4, 7.12.1
State Standards
See National Health Education Standards above.