Transcript MEDICAL MYSTERIES A PROBLEM

MedMyst
Medical Mysteries Web Adventures for Middle School
Teaching through web
adventures
Developed and supported by an NIH Grant from
the National Center for Research Resources and an NIH Grant from
the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
http://medmyst.rice.edu
http://medmyst.rice.edu
Key Elements
30 minute interactive inquiry-based missions
Complimentary hands-on classroom activities
National Science Education Standards Correlation
Companion MedMyst Magazines
MedMyst
Purpose
•Teach “real” science content through the use
of gaming elements and narrative storylines
•Teach science history using interactive
methods
•Teach about infectious diseases using
elements of mystery
•Engage diverse learners through science
inquiry
MedMyst
Advantages of Using Technology
Studies indicate that technology aids in the
motivation of all student groups.
Research shows that using technology to support
instruction improves student performance.
Therefore, using MEDMYST as a technological
curriculum resource motivates students and
improves student performance.
Special Features
FREE
Ready-to-use
Award-Winning
Only requires an active internet browser
Available in Spanish
MedMyst
Teacher Resources
Classroom activities and resources organized by
Mission
But wait! There’s more!

All episodes have teacher
materials

Mission logs

Activity lesson plans

Testing Materials

Links to Web sites with
additional information

NSES correlation matrix
MedMyst
Online Web based science adventures:
Created for middle school students
Focused around infectious diseases
Web Adventure
Mission One: Orientation at ORB
Play the role of a new Reconstructor who must pass basic training
on infectious disease by completing a series of challenges.
Web Adventure
Mission 2: Peril in Prokaryon
Help the Reconstructors find the cause and stop the spread of a
mysterious diarrheal disease plaguing a nearby refugee camp.
Web Adventure
Mission 3: Nemesis in Neuropolis
Help the Reconstructors investigate whether the re-emerging of a
deadly contagious viral disease is the beginning of a new plague
in Neuropolis.
Interdisciplinary
•Science
Human body systems
Microbiology
Nature of science
•Math
Analysis of charts, graphs, tables
•Language Arts
Non-Fiction reading material available
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary
•Social Studies
Historical scientists and their contributions
Science
Virtual lab experiences
Math
Analysis of charts, tables, and graphs
Language Arts
Reading Comprehension
History
Science History
Additional Teaching Materials!
Reading in the Content Areas
Online MedMyst magazines for FREE download
Teacher Feedback
• This is an incredible teaching tool. There is enough information to target all
ability levels.
• Thank you very much for this activity. I've used this activity (#2) in my classes
for two years when we study water quality, treatment, and safety.
• It's about the best format I've ever seen for teaching seventh graders using a
website.
•
Great teaching tool! KEEP THE SITES COMING!
• Brilliant website - colorful, scientifically accurate, and fun! I shall use it for my
students and especially the students who have trouble with science.
Congratulations!
Instructional Strengths
Improves student learning as indicated through pre and
post testing
Authentically engages students in science content
Thoroughly meets 4 out of 7 National Science
Education Standards
MedMyst
MEDMYST
• Pre-test/post-test analysis
• 9 teachers from 8 different states
• Over 700 students grades 6-10
• Over all increase in post-test scores (6-24%)
• Qualitative analysis found that students enjoyed web
adventure format and would like other subjects
presented in the same manner.
MEDMYST
Awards & Recognition
Things to Come:
Mission 4 (malaria) and Mission 5 (zoonosis)
Collection of teacher volunteers for student
pre- and post-testing
Involvement of middle school students in the
qualitative and quantitative analysis of new
missions and activities
If you like MedMyst,
http://medmyst.rice.edu
be sure to check out the other series at:
http://reconstructors.rice.edu