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23 September 2024 Explaining Vaccine Action with an Analogy: Unlocking the Superpowers within
Chanel De Smet, Jasmine Nation, Alejandra Yep, Alan Henriquez
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Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to teaching how vaccines work in the body, and introduces a community outreach project and activity we piloted with youth. Our Nuestra Ciencia program addresses scientific misconceptions among bilingual elementary school children in engaging and scientifically accurate ways. Utilizing analogies and storytelling, one of our lessons simplifies the complex microbiology concept of the mechanism of action of vaccines. We underscore the issue with conveying this concept through accurate visuals, supported by our research that revealed that less than 1% of cartoons available online accurately depict how vaccines work. The analogy we developed and showcase in this paper employs relatable characters: the virus as a robber, the immune system as a superhero, and the vaccine as a “most wanted” poster. The activities include a skit and storyboard session, enabling students to act out the analogy and create their own imaginative scenarios. By targeting young learners, this lesson aims to prevent long-standing misconceptions and empower future generations to make informed decisions about vaccination. Nuestra Ciencia offers a promising model for combating vaccine hesitancy and promoting public health through effective science communication.

Chanel De Smet, Jasmine Nation, Alejandra Yep, and Alan Henriquez "Explaining Vaccine Action with an Analogy: Unlocking the Superpowers within," The American Biology Teacher 86(7), 401-406, (23 September 2024). https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2024.86.7.401
Published: 23 September 2024
JOURNAL ARTICLE
7 PAGES

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KEYWORDS
Community outreach
Latinx
mechanism of action of vaccines
Microbiology
science cartoons
science communication
storytelling
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