Progress in teaching and learning epidemiology in grades 6-12

Learning about epidemiology has many advantages for younger students. This science of public health gives students tools with which to make informed lifestyle and societal decisions that affect their health. Understanding epidemiology can also build scientific literacy and influence students' choices of science courses and careers in public health. We describe an expanding cadre of teachers and epidemiologists with a personal passion and professional interest in integrating epidemiology and other public health sciences into middle and high school education. Some call it a “Movement.” http://www.epiedmovement.org/ One result of these efforts has been development of new epidemiology curricula tailored to middle and high school students. In particular, project-based learning (PBL) has been useful in helping students “think like epidemiologists.” Additionally, innovations in professional development are being used to help teachers meet the challenge of teaching a science that is likely to be new to them. In this presentation, we will summarize and discuss recent progress in early epidemiology education, discuss resource materials on the Internet, and elicit ideas from the audience about new directions and strategies.