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 MedMyst Medical Mysteries Web Adventures for Middle School

30 minute interactive inquiry-based missions Complimentary hands-on classroom activities National Science Education Standards Correlation Companion MedMyst Magazines M ed M yst Key Elements

Purpose M ed M yst Teach “real” science content through the use of gaming elements and narrative storylinesTeach “real” science content through the use of gaming elements and narrative storylines Teach science history using interactive methodsTeach science history using interactive methods Teach about infectious diseases using elements of mysteryTeach about infectious diseases using elements of mystery Engage diverse learners through science inquiryEngage diverse learners through science inquiry

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. Advantages of Using Technology

FREEReady-to-useAward-Winning Only requires an active internet browser Available in Spanish Special Features M ed M yst

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

M ed M yst Online Web based science adventures: Created for middle school students Focused around infectious diseases

Play the role of a new Reconstructor who must pass basic training on infectious disease by completing a series of challenges. Mission One: Orientation at ORB 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. Web Adventure

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

Virtual lab experiences Science

Analysis of charts, tables, and graphs Math

Reading Comprehension Language Arts

Science History 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.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.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.It's about the best format I've ever seen for teaching seventh graders using a website. Great teaching tool! KEEP THE SITES COMING! 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!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 M ed M yst

Pre-test/post-test analysisPre-test/post-test analysis 9 teachers from 8 different states9 teachers from 8 different states Over 700 students grades 6-10Over 700 students grades 6-10 Over all increase in post-test scores (6-24%)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.Qualitative analysis found that students enjoyed web adventure format and would like other subjects presented in the same manner. M ED M YST

Awards & Recognition M ED M YST

Things to Come: Mission 4 (malaria) and Mission 5 (zoonosis) 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

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