As teachers continue to press forward through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to stay informed. To that end, Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI) has created VacciNation -  a new virtual Blue Apple project designed to teach students about the science and history of vaccines. In VacciNation, students will unwrap the mystery of vaccines and explore how they've helped humanity fight back against countless deadly diseases. Students will then use what they've learned to make a positive impact in their communities. This new project is FREE to download and can be used in a virtual, blended, or in-person environment.

VacciNation is composed of five unique inquiry-based lessons for teachers to utilize:

Lesson 1: How to Save a Life
Vaccines save millions of lives. Find out how they work and why they're so important.

Lesson 2: Learn Vaccines
Are vaccines safe? Do they work? How did we invent them, anyway? Find out everything you ever wanted to know about vaccines.

Lesson 3: Spread the Word
Knowing about vaccines is only half the battle. Now, it's time for YOU to use your voice and spread the word.

Lesson 4: Level Up
Before you share your voice with the world, work together to make it more AWESOME!

Lesson 5: Save the World!
Share your work to teach others, save lives, and make the world a better place!

"I hope that VacciNation empowers teachers and students to learn about this incredibly relevant topic - and maybe even to have a positive influence as our world fights against the COVID pandemic." - Ben Talsma, VacciNation Co-Creator and Learning Solution Specialist

VacciNation is free to download and includes complete lesson plans, curated online resources, and connections to content standards. Discover more about VacciNation and project-based learning by visiting blueappleteacher.org/virtual-pbl-units/.

To learn about the mission of Van Andel Institute for Education, or browse Student Programs, visit vaei.org.