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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Diane L. Downie, MPH¹, Lawrence A. Kingsley, DrPH¹, and Sandra C. Quinn, PhD². (1) Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, 919-672-1709, deedee.downie@gmail.com, (2) Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261

Despite the significant need for prevention education and updated disease curriculum in elementary schools, there is a deficit of model units, lesson plans, and activities at the fourth grade level. An infectious disease and prevention teaching unit has been developed, following guidelines specified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a format consistent with proven pedagogical methods. This curriculum was tested in five classrooms with a total of 100 students.

Prior to implementation, an assessment of all 4th grade teachers in the district examined their knowledge of infectious diseases and their perceived self-efficacy in teaching such content. Evaluation of student progress included student pre and post-tests to assess changes in knowledge. Upon completion of the unit, teachers evaluated the unit to determine its relevance, effectiveness, and ease of implementation, and completed a post-test on their own knowledge and efficacy.

Results indicate that the unit was extremely effective in increasing student comprehension and interest in infectious disease prevention, and teacher efficacy in delivery of the material. This model curriculum can serve as a foundation to increase school health education in critical public health areas such as infectious diseases and preparedness, and provide an early introduction to public health careers.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, each participant will be able to
• Integrate infectious disease content into elementary classrooms;
• Understand teacher willingness to include new content;
• Describe innovative learning activities;
• Appreciate the potential for inclusion of public health careers into elementary school curriculum.

Keywords: Curricula, Infectious Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Innovative Strategies and Programs in School Health

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA