Middle and High School Teacher Resources
CDC NERD Academy
CDC NERD Academy is an innovative educational resource to teach science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students about public health, epidemiology, and related careers. It features educational videos that cover basic concepts in public health and epidemiology, scenario-based STEM activities centered around a novel emerging respiratory disease (NERD), and career spotlights of public health careers.
CDC Science Ambassador Educational Activities
This program has developed STEM educational activities focused on teaching students about epidemiology, outbreaks, surveillance, and preparedness and response. Activities are aligned with national standards and focus on STEM skills development.
Junior Disease Detectives: Operation Outbreak Graphic Novel and STEM Classroom Educational Activities
This graphic novel educates youth about CDC’s real-life disease detectives and encourages them to consider STEM careers in public health and animal health. Supplemental educational activities for middle and high school STEM classrooms are available for download.
CDC Museum Public Health Academy STEM Lessons
STEM Lessons introduce middle and high school students to public health issues like food safety and environmental hazards. They teach students the scientific method, engineering design process, and the public health approach to communicate findings. Inquiry-based, hands-on activities let students work in teams or independently.
CDC Museum The Story of CDC Enrichment Modules
Teach students about the roots of American public health, from the beginning of CDC to the present day. Enrichment modules encourage further exploration with graphics, videos, and reading material you can select as appropriate for your students.
CDC Museum Hidden History Enrichment Modules
Discover the stories behind the historic objects at the CDC Museum. Learn why they are valuable to CDC’s history, and how they came to be a part of the collection. See topics come to life in the enrichment modules with videos, photos, and activities.
BAM! Body and Mind, Classroom Resources for Teachers
CDC offers a variety of information and resources for teachers of grades 4–8 to use in the classroom and help students make healthier lifestyle choices.
CDC Ambassador Program Community & School Events
At career days, STEM events, and handwashing demonstrations, the CDC Ambassador program connects CDC employee volunteers with community organizations and schools to present on STEM careers and share hand hygiene information. Find out how to request CDC participation in one of your STEM events.
Virtual Healthy School
This interactive tool for K−12 teachers, administrators, and staff demonstrates how schools can support student health and academic achievement. It shows how components of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model can be integrated into schools.
CDC Science Ambassador Fellowship
This competitive fellowship prepares STEM teachers and educational leaders to bring public health science into middle and high school STEM classrooms. It includes a 5-day summer course at CDC headquarters in Atlanta and a 1-year professional development opportunity.
CDC Science Ambassador Regional Trainings
These 2-day trainings are offered for middle and high school STEM teachers and educational leaders throughout the year at sites across the country. They include interactive sessions on applied epidemiology, infectious diseases, global health, environmental health, and public health careers.