A Cancer Education Curriculum for Underserved Elementary School Children

Graphical Abstract

Learn how Los Angeles educators implemented a new curriculum to teach underserved elementary students about basic cancer concepts.

Abstract

In spring 2018, the University of Southern California’s (USC) Joint Educational Project (JEP), piloted through its Reader^Plus Wonderkids program a new curriculum (also available in Spanish) targeting underserved elementary school children in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The curriculum, developed for a Cancer Education Partnership Program (CEPP) from USC’s Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCC), focuses on providing first through third graders with a fundamental understanding of various aspects of cancer to reduce fear and anxiety related to the disease. Youth participants were introduced to the scientific background and cutting-edge technologies in the field of oncology through a series of modules focused on general oncology, the genetics of cancer, biotechnology and cancer, and nutrition as part of cancer prevention. The modules created a positive environment for students to creatively think and learn about this leading cause of morbidity through engaging activities, interactive games, and modern technology. We believe that this CEPP curriculum will foster scientific thought among students and their families, encourage open discussions about the biological and social ramifications of cancer, and promote healthy lifestyle choices, all while introducing new perspectives that may ultimately entice young children to consider a future career in the sciences, particularly in oncology.

Keywords:

• Biology
• Life Science
• Informal Education

Acknowledgments

We thank Angeline Pan, Alexandra Stella, Surbhi Bansil, and Evan Lum for being Tas; Hinde Kast for generating the infographics; and Valerie Thomas, Katherine Dupas, Yasaman Mestchian, Dr. W. Martin Kast, Anupam Singh, Celja Uebel, Cecily Pulver, Santosh Peddi, Lisa Welter, Gina LaBeaud, Jill Patel, Sejal Mehta, Elizabeth Dunn, and Aili Vinson for serving as guest speakers. The authors would also like to thank Rita Barakat, Jessica Stellmann, Cecily Pulver, Dr. Susan Harris, and Tina Koneazny for editing this manuscript. We also thank Ilse Flores for translating the lessons into Spanish. Funding for this cancer education initiative came from the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center through their National Institutes of Health grant (P30 CA014089).

We would also like to recognize the educators and administrative staff at Vermont Elementary School, Weemes Elementary School, and 32nd St. USC Performing Arts Magnet School for helping facilitate the lesson activities. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the significant time contributions from the JEP Readers^Plus Program.

Author Contributions

Dieuwertje J. Kast ([email protected]) is STEM programs manager at the University of Southern California Joint Educational Project in Los Angeles, California.

Anupam Singh ([email protected]) is Wonderkids graduate coordinator at the University of Southern California Joint Educational Project in Los Angeles, California.

W. Martin Kast ([email protected]) is a cancer researcher at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dieuwertje J. Kast

Dieuwertje J. Kast ([email protected]) is STEM programs manager at the University of Southern California Joint Educational Project in Los Angeles, California.

Anupam Singh

Anupam Singh ([email protected]) is Wonderkids graduate coordinator at the University of Southern California Joint Educational Project in Los Angeles, California.

W. Martin Kast

W. Martin Kast ([email protected]) is a cancer researcher at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.