Honors Biology and AP Human Geography students participated in a virtual simulation called Operation Outbreak during a field trip to Shoreline Jr. High on Friday, November 6, according to a November 13 report.
During the simulation, students cared for an avatar during a virus outbreak. Some students worked in specific roles, such as biomedical researchers and healthcare workers, to attempt to protect the population from the outbreak. Through these roles, students identified the virus as Hantavirus and created a vaccine.
Students without specific roles worked in family groups to answer biology quiz questions for money. This money could be used to purchase medicine and masks to prevent sickness. The activity allowed students to learn how outbreaks affect populations and how they can change the human immune system.
The study was conducted by students at Utah Valley University to learn more about outbreaks and human behavior during such events.
