Reaching parents/guardians of middle school students through new ‘Understanding Vaccines’ magazine & lesson plans
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy reached an all-time high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty from the University of (state) Cooperative Extension united forces with (state) 4-H to develop an approach designed to engage adult learners. The goal of the project was to increase science and vaccine literacy in rural Georgia by developing a vaccine literacy curriculum for middle school students which included activities for home family conversation and completion.
The curriculum is grounded on a Journeys magazine, part of a youth magazine series developed by (state) 4-H to address health and safety. “Understanding Vaccines” magazine educates youth about 1) the origin and purpose of vaccines, 2) the development of vaccines, 3) common vaccines for those under age 18, and 4) the link between how human and animal vaccines protect overall health. Four lessons were developed to address each topic which used best practices of science literacy education as defined by the National Science Teachers Association.
Seven Extension educators (4-H Extension Agents/county-based faculty) piloted the magazine and lesson plans during Spring 2023. In all, 36 classrooms participated reaching about 800 students. Teachers surveyed reported students showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge from before to after the lessons. Parents also reported positive and statistically significant changes in knowledge and attitudes. When asked the shared question, “I believe vaccines are important to overall health”, agreement increased from general agreement before to strongly agree after the lessons.
Educators who assisted with the pilot reported positive experiences with the lessons. Since the pilot, adjustments have been made based on educator suggestions and the finalized “Understanding Vaccines” magazine and 4-lesson plans may by requested by contacting your local (State) Extension Office.
Keywords
vaccine education, vaccine hesitancy, science literacy, curriculum
Reaching parents/guardians of middle school students through new ‘Understanding Vaccines’ magazine & lesson plans
Vaccine hesitancy reached an all-time high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty from the University of (state) Cooperative Extension united forces with (state) 4-H to develop an approach designed to engage adult learners. The goal of the project was to increase science and vaccine literacy in rural Georgia by developing a vaccine literacy curriculum for middle school students which included activities for home family conversation and completion.
The curriculum is grounded on a Journeys magazine, part of a youth magazine series developed by (state) 4-H to address health and safety. “Understanding Vaccines” magazine educates youth about 1) the origin and purpose of vaccines, 2) the development of vaccines, 3) common vaccines for those under age 18, and 4) the link between how human and animal vaccines protect overall health. Four lessons were developed to address each topic which used best practices of science literacy education as defined by the National Science Teachers Association.
Seven Extension educators (4-H Extension Agents/county-based faculty) piloted the magazine and lesson plans during Spring 2023. In all, 36 classrooms participated reaching about 800 students. Teachers surveyed reported students showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge from before to after the lessons. Parents also reported positive and statistically significant changes in knowledge and attitudes. When asked the shared question, “I believe vaccines are important to overall health”, agreement increased from general agreement before to strongly agree after the lessons.
Educators who assisted with the pilot reported positive experiences with the lessons. Since the pilot, adjustments have been made based on educator suggestions and the finalized “Understanding Vaccines” magazine and 4-lesson plans may by requested by contacting your local (State) Extension Office.
