Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Suggested Vocabulary for Covid 19
Coronavirus: Coronavirus is an entire family of viruses, four of which are similar in symptoms and severity to the common cold. The name coronavirus stems from the crown-like spikes, or coronas, that appear on the viruses under a microscope. The more deadly forms of coronavirus include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The term novel coronavirus refers to a new strand of coronavirus that hasn't been seen before, in this case the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
SARS-CoV-2: Discovered in December 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 can lead to the disease now known as COVID-19. You can have SARS-CoV-2 without developing any symptoms. Scientists believe SARS-CoV-2 started in animals and spread to humans.
COVID-19: COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. You can have SARS-CoV-2 without developing COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 range from cough, fever, and shortness of breath to diarrhea. In more serious cases, COVID-19 can lead to clotting in the lungs, multi-organ failure, and death.
Viral tests: Viral tests rely on samples from your respiratory system (such as swabs of the inside of the nose) to determine whether you have a current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Antibody tests: Antibody tests detect whether you have had a previous infection with the virus. Because these tests detect the proteins our bodies made to help fight off infections, they can't be used to diagnose someone with an active COVID-19 infection.
Physical distancing: Physical distancing means maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet between you and other people. So, if you cough or sneeze, it is less likely your secretions will reach the people around you.
Quarantine: Quarantine is a more aggressive prevention strategy that is used in the event of exposure. If you have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, you should quarantine for 14 days.
Isolation: Isolation is the most serious form of protecting others around you. If you have a confirmed or suspected case of novel coronavirus, you should remain separated from people who are not sick—even those who live with you. This means you stay at home in a room that's separated from the rest of your family and monitor your health for 10 to 14 days.
Vaccine: A substance used to protect humans and animals from a disease.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key terminology related to pandemics and Covid 19.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.
Suggested Vocabulary for Covid 19
Coronavirus: Coronavirus is an entire family of viruses, four of which are similar in symptoms and severity to the common cold. The name coronavirus stems from the crown-like spikes, or coronas, that appear on the viruses under a microscope. The more deadly forms of coronavirus include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The term novel coronavirus refers to a new strand of coronavirus that hasn't been seen before, in this case the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
SARS-CoV-2: Discovered in December 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 can lead to the disease now known as COVID-19. You can have SARS-CoV-2 without developing any symptoms. Scientists believe SARS-CoV-2 started in animals and spread to humans.
COVID-19: COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. You can have SARS-CoV-2 without developing COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 range from cough, fever, and shortness of breath to diarrhea. In more serious cases, COVID-19 can lead to clotting in the lungs, multi-organ failure, and death.
Viral tests: Viral tests rely on samples from your respiratory system (such as swabs of the inside of the nose) to determine whether you have a current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Antibody tests: Antibody tests detect whether you have had a previous infection with the virus. Because these tests detect the proteins our bodies made to help fight off infections, they can't be used to diagnose someone with an active COVID-19 infection.
Physical distancing: Physical distancing means maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet between you and other people. So, if you cough or sneeze, it is less likely your secretions will reach the people around you.
Quarantine: Quarantine is a more aggressive prevention strategy that is used in the event of exposure. If you have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, you should quarantine for 14 days.
Isolation: Isolation is the most serious form of protecting others around you. If you have a confirmed or suspected case of novel coronavirus, you should remain separated from people who are not sick—even those who live with you. This means you stay at home in a room that's separated from the rest of your family and monitor your health for 10 to 14 days.
Vaccine: A substance used to protect humans and animals from a disease.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key terminology related to pandemics and Covid 19.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the key terms you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write the definition of the term.
- Create an illustration for each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Must have 3 terms, correct definitions and appropriate illustrations for each that demonstrate your understanding of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary words are correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is somewhat unclear. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined |
| Illustrations | The storyboard illustrations clearly depict the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The illustrations relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words but it they are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about COVID 19 Pandemic Vocabulary
Organize a classroom word wall for pandemic vocabulary
Display each key term and its definition on a large, visible board in your classroom. Invite students to add illustrations or examples beneath each word to reinforce understanding and keep the vocabulary accessible throughout the unit.
Introduce each new term with a real-world example
Share a short story, news clip, or scenario that uses the target word in context. This helps students connect the vocabulary to their daily lives and makes the meaning more memorable.
Encourage students to use vocabulary in group discussions
Prompt students to apply the new terms during partner or small group conversations. Set a challenge for students to use each word at least once to boost confidence and retention.
Integrate vocabulary review games into your routine
Play quick review games like vocabulary bingo, charades, or matching to reinforce terms regularly. These activities make review fun and help students recall definitions more easily.
Assess understanding with creative exit tickets
Ask students to write a sentence, draw a quick sketch, or explain a term in their own words before leaving class. This gives you immediate feedback on their comprehension and helps reinforce learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID 19 Pandemic Vocabulary
What is the best way to teach COVID-19 vocabulary to middle school students?
The best way to teach COVID-19 vocabulary is through visual activities like storyboard creation, where students define and illustrate terms. This method boosts comprehension and helps students retain new words by applying them in context and discussing them in class.
How can I create a visual vocabulary board for pandemic-related terms?
To create a visual vocabulary board, choose key terms like 'quarantine' or 'antibody test,' write clear definitions, and add illustrations that represent each word. Use storyboards or graphic organizers to help students connect terms with real-world examples.
Why is it important to introduce key vocabulary before a COVID-19 lesson?
Introducing key vocabulary before a lesson helps students understand readings and presentations more easily, improves retention, and allows them to participate confidently in discussions about COVID-19 topics.
What are some essential COVID-19 vocabulary words for grades 6-8?
Essential COVID-19 vocabulary words for grades 6-8 include coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, viral test, antibody test, physical distancing, quarantine, isolation, and vaccine.
How do quarantine and isolation differ during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Quarantine is used when someone may have been exposed to the virus but is not confirmed sick, while isolation separates people who are confirmed or suspected to be infected, even within their own homes, to prevent spreading COVID-19.
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