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Epidemiology Lesson Plans

Epidemiology is the method used to find the causes of health outcomes and diseases in populations. In epidemiology, the patient is the community and individuals are viewed collectively. By definition, epidemiology is the study (scientific, systematic, and data-driven) of the distribution (frequency, pattern) and determinants (causes, risk factors) of health-related states and events (not just diseases) in specified populations. It is also the application of this study to the control of health problems. (Source: Principles of Epidemiology, 3rd Edition.)

These lesson plans provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice skills in basic epidemiology.

Learning objectives:

  • Apply scientific ideas, principles, and evidence to provide an explanation about the causes and correlations of health and disease using epidemiologic thinking
  • Synthesize and communicate an evidence-based explanation for how an anecdote is transformed into science through epidemiologic thinking and a public health approach
  • Develop, revise, and use an evidence-based model to support the claim that epidemiologic thinking and methodology can identify and predict cause-and-effect relationships related to health and disease in populations

Lesson Plans

Brain-eating Ameba (Naegleria fowleri)

High school lesson plan topics - Brain-eating Ameba (Naegleria fowleri)

Brain-eating Ameba [PDF - 31 pages]

This lesson plan demonstrates how microorganisms normally found in environments, such as the bottom of warm freshwater ponds and lakes can cause illness when they enter the human body. Students engaged in this lesson plan will learn about Naegleria fowleri (the scientific name of the brain-eating ameba), where it lives, how it can cause infection, and how persons can protect themselves from this infection. Students will also have the opportunity to identify other organisms living in local freshwater reservoirs, such as ponds and lakes. At the end of the lesson, students should have an enhanced understanding of the environment’s role in disease transmission and ways to reduce the risk for contracting waterborne infections. This material is suitable for use in high school biology or environmental science classes and can be included as part of lessons on aquatic ecosystems.

Cytomegalovirus

High school lesson plan topics - Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) The Silent Intruder (Coming Spring 2016)

This lesson plan uses small group research and a debate format to introduce students to congenital CMV infection and increase their awareness of crucial issues relating to CMV infection.

Students will become familiar with CMV, examine associations between congenital CMV infection and birth defects, research the most common modes of CMV transmission, and debate the implications of newborn screening for CMV.

Other – Infectious Disease

Middle school lesson plan topics - Other – Infectious Disease

Spreading Sickness in Middle School [PDF - 50 pages]

Pathogens such as viruses and bacteria can cause diseases, many of which are vaccine-preventable. Many infectious diseases are spread from person to person. In this lesson plan, students will learn how an increase in the number of persons vaccinated for a certain disease reduces the potential for that disease to spread. Students will participate in a modeling activity to identify transmission patterns with and without vaccination. Then, students gather information and data to conduct a cost-analysis on being sick versus being vaccinated. Students will present their cost-analysis using an infographic, a 21st century communication tool, to frame a public health message.

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