Solve the Outbreak

Solving mysteries is engaging, and saving lives is rewarding. In Solve the Outbreak, kids get to do both. There are 12 realistic outbreak scenarios to choose from, each with its own clever title. Once kids tap on a scenario, a box pops up that provides the following data: number sick, hospitalizations, deaths, and location. Kids tap the Start button to continue and are presented with a brief overview of the mission. Once they accept the mission, kids have to analyze the scenario using clues, data, and definitions of key vocabulary terms. They must correctly answer a series of questions in order to determine the source of the disease and the best course of action to prevent further illnesses and deaths. Kids earn points as they work through the scenario and can make their way from "Trainee" to "Disease Detective." They can also earn achievements such as "Smarty Pants" for looking up glossary terms and "Clever Clogs" for correctly answering four questions in an outbreak. Social media is integrated in the app, so kids can share their scores and progress. Scenarios can be solved over and over, so multiple players can use the app.

Kids can learn about epidemiology and the method of determining the cause of diseases in a population. Using verbal clues and data displayed in tables and graphs, kids apply critical-thinking skills to analyze information, answer questions, and eventually figure out the source of a disease and how to prevent further illnesses within a population. The outbreak scenarios include tappable key terms that link to an extensive glossary.

Kids can find loads of information to help them learn about epidemiology and what it's like to be a real disease detective. Solving the outbreak scenarios requires some serious problem-solving skills, so kids would be best prepared for success if they have some background knowledge of health science before diving into the detective work.