About the project

Decipher my data! Flu! is the first in a planned series of projects. The study is lead by Dr Rob Aldridge (yup, that’s Dr Rob on the right there) and his team at the Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases Centre at University College London. They want to see if school illness absence data can provide a good warning system for spotting flu outbreaks. Dr Rob has recorded a video, explaining what he and his team do, what the project’s about and why it matters, and most importantly whether the Incas also got Flu. Have a watch to find out!

The project involves students monitoring their school’s absence due to illness data compared to the expected rate, according to flu activity in other schools and national data provided by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Health Protection Agency. After analysing their data students will be expected to collaborate and produce a report explaining their results. This report will be peer reviewed by other schools before being submitted to the UCL team for consideration for the final paper being written. School data will be kept strictly anonymous and protected within our secure online system, read here for more information.

 Who’s it for?

The Flu! study is flexible and can be used for a range of secondary school classes or a STEM club. The lesson plans are aimed at years 8 & 9 but can be adapted to other student’s needs.

When is this happening?

• October-end of December 2011 – School Registration open
• November 2011 – end of March 2012 – Collect and analyse absence data, perform Outbreak Investigations
• By end of March 2012 – Write reports and peer review other schools’ work
• June 2012 – UCL team produce draft paper for review by schools.