IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — Doctors and educators are collaborating to teach local middle schoolers about COVID-19.

It’s been a semester like no other for teachers and students at East Irondequoit Middle School.

What You Need To Know

  • University of Rochester doctors, the University’s Warner School of Education, and local science teachers from across Monroe County have teamed up to educate middle schoolers about COVID-19

  • Students from home and in the classroom got to ask questions of U of R doctors about the pandemic on Friday

  • Students will conclude the pandemic unit by developing a scientific model based on an investigation and present their findings at a public showcase

“Some of our friends are in other groups, so we haven’t been able to see them physically," eighth grader Ramiro Westbrook said. "So it’s been a lot different.”

No doubt COVID-19 has changed everyday life. This is also true in school, which presents an opportunity for learning.

“I tell my students all the time that science is only relevant to us if we can use it to make sense of the world around us,” science teacher Alyssa Rutherford said.

To that end, University of Rochester doctors, the University’s Warner School of Education, and local science teachers from across Monroe County have teamed up to bring a new learning unit to students, so they can better understand the science around the pandemic.

“The goal is to empower students to realize their own capabilities as agents of change," Rutherford said. "And to not think, 'I‘m just one 13-year-old; what can I do?' But [they can] realize their actions matter.”

And as part of that unit on Friday, students from home and in the classroom got to ask questions of U of R doctors about the pandemic.

“You’re not only taking care of your patients, you’re being an advocate, and you’re being involved in the community,” said Dr. Terace Thomas, one of the medical mentors.

Rutherford says it’s important to know where to get accurate information.

“They can utilize the tools in their communities, and use their voices to communicate with experts so they have a direct line to valuable information,” Rutherford said.

Westbrook says he found the lesson useful.

“It’s been a lot helpful, because I learned stuff I didn’t know before,” Westbrook said.

Medical mentor Dr. Jennifer Riché says it was an enriching experience for them as well.

“These are questions that are just amazing coming from eighth graders," Riché said. "And I have no doubt they’ll do very great things in the future.”

Students will conclude the pandemic unit by developing a scientific model based on an investigation and present their findings at a public showcase later this semester.