By: Sawyer Arkwright, Alicia Chisholm, Bryanna Greig, 
Tessa Guest, Cassandra Lojko, Brittney Yiu

How to Make a Covid Simulator on Scratch!

The video “How to Make a Covid Simulator on Scratch!” is a tutorial that guides viewers through the process of creating a simple disease-spreading simulation using Scratch. The code shows us how a virus like COVID-19 can spread in a population by programming sprites to interact based on certain conditions, such as proximity and infection rates. DevPotato gives step-by-step instructions throughout the video which makes it easy for beginner Scratch users to do, his young age helping with simplification for viewers. This resource can be particularly useful for students learning about both coding and public health/disease. By simulating the spread of a(n) virus/infection, learners can visualize abstract concepts like transmission rates and herd immunity. Scratch also allows students to experiment with different variables to help them foster skills related to inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. Additionally, the project aligns with cross-curricular learning, combining STEM with social issues.

Unfortunately, the simulator’s accuracy is limited by Scratch’s capabilities. The model may oversimplify real-world epidemiological factors such as asymptomatic cases, external interventions (e.g., antibiotics), or environmental factors. This could lead to misconceptions if not supplemented with additional information. While the project promotes engagement, it may not be rigorous enough for advanced learners needing more precise and accurate simulations, such as those that could be created by a specialized software. Overall, this resource is a valuable introductory tool for exploring coding and basic public health concepts. However, educators should frame it as a simplified model and encourage further exploration to learn more about how diseases spread.

How to Build a COVID Simulator in Scratch: A Cross-Curricular Coding Activity

The “How to Make a Covid Simulator on Scratch!” tutorial can be an engaging classroom resource for integrating coding with Science and Health & Physical Education. Teachers can use it to introduce students to both computational thinking and the determinants of how disease can spread, encouraging multiple subject connections. This project can help students visualize how viruses spread, reinforcing key concepts related to public health and decision-making. To begin, educators should introduce the topic by discussing how infectious diseases spread aside from looking at data/ statistics, and the role of simulations in science and health. This can be linked to real-world examples, such as how public health officials use models to predict outbreaks and assess interventions. Before starting the Scratch project, students should be familiar with basic Scratch functions, such as movement, conditionals, and variables. If they are new to the platform, a short introductory lesson on Scratch may be necessary.

Once students are ready, the teacher can guide them through the tutorial, pausing to explain key coding concepts. Students can follow along individually or in pairs, depending on their comfort level. After completing the basic simulation, students can experiment with different variables, such as increasing the infection rate or adding interventions like masks and vaccines. A discussion can follow, prompting students to reflect on what the simulation represents and its possible limitations. For assessment, students could modify the simulation to represent different diseases or create a presentation explaining their findings. By encouraging creativity and critical thinking, this activity can make abstract concepts more concrete while reinforcing coding skills in an interactive way.

Resource Information

Tags: Public health, simulator, science, covid, scratch, infection, tutorial, general science, health, disease,

URL to resource information: How to Make a Covid Simulator on Scratch!

Cost: Completely Free on YouTube!