ABSTRACT
Microscopic Monsters and the Scientists Who Slay Them is a 30-lesson interdisciplinary science unit designed to teach high-ability fourth and fifth graders how to think like real-world epidemiologists. Real-life epidemiologists, both historic and contemporary, are used to model the skill and endurance needed to fight the long game against infectious diseases while students explore the many career paths available to them in the diverse fields of medicine and microbiology. Suggestions and guidance are included on how teachers can adjust the rigor of learning tasks based on students' interests and needs. As production wrapped up on this unit in early 2021 and the world began a slow return to normal, each lesson was carefully examined before publication in order to incorporate lessons learned during the pandemic and ensure any potentially triggering material was removed or revised. Lastly, the use of flexible grouping for instruction, as well as strategic construction of the problem-based learning workgroups throughout, are recommended.
