YES Enrichment

Engineering Antivirals

Middle School Molecules & Organisms Camps/STEM Classes

Youth engineer a model antiviral to stop a virus from attaching to a cell.

unit Overview

Youth use the Engineering Design Process to design a working model of an antiviral that will reduce the number of successful attacks a model virus makes on a cell. Youth develop models of common viruses, collect data on how viruses get into cells, and modify their antiviral designs when the model virus mutates.

  • 9 activities (5 core, 4 optional)
  • 45–60 minutes per activity
  • Youth materials available in Spanish

Standards Alignment

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unit Resources

Digital Resources (FREE)

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Educator Guide Pack - $69
  • Full-color print educator guide, plus multiple sets of heavy-duty reusable color-print resources (ex. vocabulary cards, materials glossaries, station signs, and student instructions) for the class.
Materials Kit - $499
  • Hands-on materials to support 24 learners.
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Unit Map

Youth engineer a model water tower and learn about the Engineering Design Process, a 5-phase problem-solving tool.

Youth develop models of common viruses to investigate how viruses get into cells.

Youth build and collect data on a particular model virus. They imagine and plan antivirals that meet the criteria and constraints.

Youth create, test, and improve their antivirals.

Youth modify their antivirals when the model virus mutates.

Youth learn about safety precautions when working with viruses. They create quarantine boxes to keep the workers isolated from the virus.

Youth create public service announcements about staying healthy when a virus is spreading.

Youth reflect on their engineering skills and learn about careers related to developing antivirals.

Youth present their model antivirals and share their processes with guests. Do this activity last to showcase all of the learning.

Educator Preparation Videos

Play Video
Activity 2 Preparation: Model Cell
Play Video
Activity 2 Preparation: Testing Station

Videos for Youth

Play Video
Activity 2: What Is a Virus?
Play Video
Activity 3: What Is an Antiviral?
Play Video
Activity 3: Model Virus
Play Video
Activity 5: What Is a Mutation?
Play Video
Activity 5: Model Mutant Virus
Play Video
Activity A: A Visit to the Lab
Play Video
Activity A: Test Procedure
Play Video
Activity C: Career: Emergency Medicine
Play Video
Exploring Health Careers

This unit is adapted from the previous Engineering Everywhere version, Outbreak Alert!: Engineering a Pandemic Response. To access the resources for the previous version, click here.