Hand on activity on how messenger RNA works.

• Investigate how the immune system reacts to vaccines
• Learn about mRNA vaccines, viruses and the human immune system
• 35 custom plastic models
• Downloadable teacher resources

The world recently witnessed the most rapid vaccine production ever, achieving another milestone in medical science. In response to the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus and the CoVID-19 pandemic, a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine was developed and administered to billions worldwide in less than a year. Prior vaccine production took five to ten years! Just as the wheel was invented long before the automobile, mRNA vaccines were built upon much previous scientific knowledge, dating back to the days of Gregor Mendel and possibly before.

This mRNA kit is designed to aid in the teaching of how mRNA vaccines provide immunity against harmful viruses. A colorful animated slide show illustrates virus structure, viral entry into body cells and the immune response. A summary of how mRNA vaccines are produced and why they provide lasting immunity without causing sickness follows. Understanding that students learn best when information is presented orally, visually, and tactilely; teachers are provided with animated slides to project on a wall or screen. Plastic models representing cells and key structures allow students to tactilely simulate immune response to a virus. Student assessment is evaluated via activities utilizing kit models and follow-up questions.