Mark A. Kaelin|Wendy W. Huebner|Mark J. Nicolich|Maudellyn L. Kimbrough
Field Test of an Epidemiology Curriculum for Middle School Students
Montclair State University|ExxonMobil (United States)|Paterson Public Schools
abstract purpose study test effectiveness middle school epidemiology curriculum called detectives classroom curriculum presents epidemiology science public health using healthrelated issues capture interest young students help prepare make evidencebased healthrelated decisions curriculum field tested among seventhgrade urban students using quasiexperimental design analysis covariance pre posttest scores examined five outcomes including students perceptions abilities science inquiry scientific literacy knowledge five enduring epidemiologic understandings selfreported interest science assessment students epidemiological reasoning ability 378 experimental students compared 620 controls generally higher posttest improvements epidemiologyrelated outcomes smaller increases measures doseresponse suggested higher scores among students exposed 10 lessons strengths evaluation include large sample availability data account differences demographic school performance variables limitations evaluation include randomization school opposed student relatively shortterm generally selfreported outcomes inconsistencies proportion curriculum actually taught findings offer encouragement potential detectives classroom improve students perceptions science abilities scientific literacy interest science abilities basic epidemiologic reasoning tests epidemiology curricula needed respond growing interest teaching public health science younger students important test nearterm impacts additional challenge curriculum evaluation standpoint follow students several years examine subsequent choices concerning selected courses college majors career paths