A lesson asks young mathematicians to investigate the social determinants and the environmental factors that influence risk factors associated with the spread of COVID-19. Class members then brainstorm what they can do to alleviate the impact of these factors.

Concepts

pandemics, viruses, risks, math modeling, covid-19, illness, health problems, diseases, safety

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Additional Tags

health

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups use the provided links to research more current statistics

Classroom Considerations

• The second lesson in a two-part series
• Requires computers with internet access
• Presumes a protocol has been established to ensure a safe, respectful discussion of the influence of race and economic factors on the vulnerability index
• All the graphs and charts included in the resource are dated; however, they still could be used for the model, or updating the charts could be incorporated as part of the lesson

Pros

• The first day of the lesson focuses on social determinants while the second day looks at the physical and environmental determinants

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.11-12.2 RI.11-12.7 W.11-12.1.a W.11-12.1.b W.11-12.1.c W.11-12.1.d W.11-12.1.e W.11-12.5 W.11-12.6 W.11-12.7 W.11-12.10