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Taking the fear out of the flu is the goal of a new downloadable information source developed by the Center for Chemistry Education at Miami University Middletown.
At www.terrificscience.org/flu, elementary and middle school students, along with their parents, can find fun ways to learn the facts about the H1N1 virus and the importance of vaccines.
“The paper and pencil activity called “Vaccinate Me!” helps kids visualize how the H1N1 vaccine protects them from the swine flu,” said Susan Hershberger, research specialist at the center and chair of the American Chemical Society, Cincinnati section. “This hands-on activity is something that can be used at home or in classrooms. The article provides additional background information for teachers and older students.”
The information on the Web site explains how vaccines work, why they are needed and even why chickens and cows should be thanked for the flu vaccine.
The content also is being picked up by Newspapers in Education, a national program to bring newspapers and current events to the classroom as part of the curriculum. Supplements will be included in more than 100 newspapers around the country and available online.
Additional free activities on hand hygiene and other timely health topics are available at www.terrificscience.org/healthrich/activities.html.
The activity and background article were developed with support by a Science Education Partnership Award grant from the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health.
For more information, contact Susan Gertz at gertzse@muohio.edu or 727-3389.
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