The Association for Science Education Scotland Conference

March 2019: CIR researchers ran an interactive workshop at the Association for Science Education Scotland Conference, to train Biology teachers and Science Educators how to use our "Supercytes" game-based schools' resource, focused on immunology and inflammation

"Supercytes – the immune cell standoff" is a  free resource for schools.

Developed by medical researchers at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, this is game-based educational pack designed to introduce young learners to immunology,  inflammation biology and infectious disease medicine in a lively and entertaining manner.

Using different gaming formats for students aged 9-18 (and beyond!), it introduces younger learners to white blood cells and how our bodies fight infection, and supports older students learning basic immunology, inflammation biology and their role in protecting against infectious diseases. The resource features an easy, fun, strategic card game, a series of cartoons featuring cell immune characters, a dedicated interactive website, quizzes, a competition, a teaching presentation, and a lesson plan integrated into the Curriculum for Excellence.

The resource pack is freely available to schools in the Edinburgh and Lothians area, and to teachers attending our Supercytes workshops.

CIR Researchers Donald J. Davidson and Filipa Henderson Sousa travelled to the Hutcheson's Grammar School, Glasgow, to run an interactive workshop, introducing the Supercytes resource at the Association for Science Education Scotland Conference.

It was an enjoyable workshop, with the attendees enthusiastically grasping the game concept! The feedback was really positive, with 100% of attendees saying that they would definitely use the Supercytes resource, and we look forward to supplying the resources for this cohort to use with their classes.

Thanks to all the participants!

Participant feedback:

"The animations are a great hook to brighten what can be a complex topic. The game is a fantastic resource and can see how it will draw in reluctant learners."

"Presenter and materials very good! More please!"