ERIC Number: EJ1439508
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Sep
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-7685
EISSN: EISSN-1938-4211
Available Date: N/A
Explaining Vaccine Action with an Analogy: Unlocking the Superpowers Within
Chanel De Smet; Jasmine Nation; Alejandra Yep; Alan Henriquez
American Biology Teacher, v86 n7 p401-406 2024
This paper presents a novel approach to teaching how vaccines work in the body, and introduces a community outreach project and activity we piloted with youth. Our Nuestra Ciencia program addresses scientific misconceptions among bilingual elementary school children in engaging and scientifically accurate ways. Utilizing analogies and storytelling, one of our lessons simplifies the complex microbiology concept of the mechanism of action of vaccines. We underscore the issue with conveying this concept through accurate visuals, supported by our research that revealed that less than 1% of cartoons available online accurately depict how vaccines work. The analogy we developed and showcase in this paper employs relatable characters: the virus as a robber, the immune system as a superhero, and the vaccine as a "most wanted" poster. The activities include a skit and storyboard session, enabling students to act out the analogy and create their own imaginative scenarios. By targeting young learners, this lesson aims to prevent long-standing misconceptions and empower future generations to make informed decisions about vaccination. Nuestra Ciencia offers a promising model for combating vaccine hesitancy and promoting public health through effective science communication.
Descriptors: Immunization Programs, Logical Thinking, Misconceptions, Elementary School Students, Bilingual Students, Science Education, Story Telling, Microbiology, Visual Aids, Learning Activities, Skits, Health Behavior, Cartoons, Outreach Programs, Spanish, English, Video Technology, Communicable Diseases, Undergraduate Students, Hispanic American Students, Role Models, Partnerships in Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
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