Problem: Lack of Accessible Epidemiology Curriculum
K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics educators needed access to a robust training curriculum designed to teach foundational epidemiology and public health concepts. The curriculum needed to follow best practices in K-12 STEM education as well as distance learning pedagogy to ensure the evidence-based, vertically aligned and proven program would be accessible to all learners, even those furthest from opportunity.
Solution: Create Engaging Videos and Activities
In collaboration with STEM educators and the CDC Foundations’ Science Ambassador Fellowship Program, Diffusion Studios developed a series of eight curriculum modules. Each module includes an explainer video in which age-appropriate and relatable scenarios are used to keep students engaged while learning about public health and its many career opportunities. To supplement the explainer videos, each module also includes a demonstration video for a hands-on group activity teachers can use in the classroom.
Results: Free Epidemiology Content for Educators
More than 100 minutes of video content was created and made freely available to educators and members of the public. In addition to the videos, image assets created for the series are used in the printable curriculum support materials. The curriculum was featured in a presentation at the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching symposium and was further promoted and distributed and distributed by an extensive network of existing education and public health partners and community channels, including state and local health departments.
“I am just so, so excited about these videos. As are the teacher scholars who helped write the scripts. We have previewed many of these videos together and we look forward to using them in our classrooms. The animation is outstanding. I am constantly impressed by the attention to detail. What a wonderful resource for educators.”
– C. Mytko, STEM Educator, The Berkeley School, Project Coordinator CDC Foundation (former)
Watch a CDC Foundation partnership video:
Key Takeaways
- K-12 educators needed accessible epidemiology curriculum.
- Accessible videos and hands-on activities were developed by Diffusion Studios.
- Curriculum follows best STEM and distance learning practices.
- Project was featured at the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching symposium.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/nerd-academy/about/index.html
- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvrp9iOILTQYrFJWE7dNQxh_hrsRa3-OC&si=ta0gKBgm3zoC7u37