Operation Outbreak was created by educators and scientists at Sarasota Military Academy Prep in Florida. Since 2015, it has engaged thousands of students worldwide in understanding epidemiology, public health and crisis management through experiential learning that students remember long after traditional lessons fade.
The programme is curriculum-aligned, fitting into science (NGSS), health and social studies frameworks. Teachers consistently report that the simulation format creates memorable learning moments where complex concepts suddenly click for students who struggled with textbook explanations.
The mobile app uses Bluetooth technology to simulate disease transmission between devices as students move around, creating authentic spread patterns without tracking individual identities. Students can share devices in small groups, making it adaptable to varying technology access levels. The $70 grant helps cover printed materials, QR code intervention cards and basic supplies that enhance the simulation experience.
The post-simulation debrief is where the deepest learning occurs. Data visualisations reveal transmission chains, showing students how their individual actions affected collective outcomes. This connects outbreak science to broader lessons about community responsibility, scientific reasoning and evidence-based decision-making.
Many schools use Operation Outbreak as a gateway to deeper engagement with public health topics, with some expanding it into annual events or cross-disciplinary projects. Learn more at the Operation Outbreak website: https://operationoutbreak.org/
How to get involved
Time:
2-3 hours total: 1-2 hours preparation and app testing, 60 minutes for the classroom simulation and debrief.
Links