The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48670

Barbara Hug, PhD, School of Education, University of Michigan, Rm 4045, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259, 1 734 647 3617, barbhug@umich.edu and Irene S. Bayer, MHSA, Office of Community-Based Public Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029.

Dr. Hug will describe the development and enactment of a curriculum module on communicable disease transmission, utilizing the project-based science approach and funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The curriculum was developed by a team consisting of science education and technology specialists from the School of Education, a specialist in HIV/AIDs and sexually transmitted diseases and the project coordinator from the School of Public Health, and a science curriculum specialist from the Detroit Public Schools (DPS). The curriculum is anchored around the driving question, "Can good friends make me sick?". To strengthen the curriculum's connection with the DPS Core Curriculum Outcomes and the Michigan Model Curriculum, the study of sexually transmitted diseases was imbedded in the study of Infectious Diseases. This approach also helps to address the sensitive nature of the content and to make the curriculum more broadly usable. In three years, the curriculum was presented to almost 2000 middle school students in over 15 schools. Dr. Hug will cover issues of professional development, constraints on the teaching of sexually transmitted diseases, and technological tools that are available to engage students in learning about disease transmission. Sample copies of the curriculum will be available at this session, as well as an order form for receiving a complete dissemination package of curriculum materials.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how school-based health education goals can be achieved through project-based science education while enhancing student learning.
• Discuss the importance of linking curriculum with standardized testing and state and local required curriculum outcomes.
• Describe the application of technology within an infectious disease curriculum.
• Explain how to obtain curriculum materials for use in schools and other settings.

Keywords: STD Prevention, Curricula

Related Web page: hi-ce.eecs.umich.edu/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.