CDC NERD Academy is a standards-based STEM curriculum. It covers eight basic concepts in public health and epidemiology. The curriculum features a fictional "novel emerging respiratory disease," or NERD for short. While NERD is fictional, modules use real scientific data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The curriculum is a collaboration between STEM teachers and CDC experts. Curriculum modules were designed by teachers and are age appropriate. They use relatable scenarios that engage students while learning about public health. Beyond STEM, students also practice skills in the liberal arts, and the humanities.
Modules were designed for all teachers, including those who are new to public health. Modules include detailed English and Spanish language STEM lesson plans. Lesson plans include student activities and handouts, and career spotlights. Modules also include an animated educational video for students and an activity demonstration videos for teachers.
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