Oregon AWARE partners with educators to help students and their families have a better understanding of appropriate antibiotic use and how they can avoid antibiotic resistance.

Assistance to educators is available in the form of guest speakers and
age-specific learning materials.

Do Bugs Need Drugs?

Do Bugs Need Drugs? is an interactive and entertaining community education program for children, grades K - 3, that is about hand washing and responsible use of antibiotics. An Oregon AWARE trainer will come to the school or district office and give educators the training and materials to integrate this course into their curriculum. However, educators can request a trained speaker to give the class.

The class explains to students why antibiotic resistance is a problem and what steps they can take to prevent antibiotic resistance from developing. Hand washing education is a key component of Do Bugs Need Drugs? because hand washing prevents infections and the need for treatment.

To learn more, visit Do Bugs Need Drugs?

Children's Antibiotic
Resistance Activity Kit
An 8-page booklet of coloring sheets and games that teaches children and their parents about antibiotic resistance. Suitable for grades K - 3. Size 8.5" x 11".

• See English version. (pdf)
• See Spanish version. (pdf)

Oregon AWARE is pleased to offer Oregon schools and educators, for grades 4 - 6, the Antibiotics and You course. This program provides educators with the training and materials to teach a one-hour healthy living lesson focused on judicious use of antibiotics and ways to avoid contracting a viral infection.  The coalition has found that the most effective way to disseminate this valuable information is to have an AWARE trainer come to the school or district office and give a group of educators the tools to integrate the course into their curriculum. However, educators can request a trained speaker to give the class.

• Antibiotics and You class is interactive, entertaining and helps build a foundation of understanding when antibiotics are necessary, and when they are not. The class includes lesson plans and teaching material that reinforces the speaker’s instruction.

Students will learn:

• The difference between viruses and bacteria
• How germs spread and what children can do to stay healthy
• How antibiotics work and when they are effective
• What one can do to prevent antibiotic resistance
• How to preserve our antibiotic lifeline

Material provided includes:

Antibiotics and You Lesson Plan for grades 4 - 6, see Lesson Plan (pdf)

• Lesson Plan Flyer, see flyer (pdf)
• Parent Take Home Letter, see letter (pdf)
• Pre- and Post- Test, see test (pdf)
• Presentation Process, see process (pdf)
• T eacher Evaluation, see evaluation (pdf)
• Lesson Feedback Sheet, see sheet (pdf)
• Thank You Note, see note (pdf)
  

Also available:

Germs: Viruses & Bacteria Activity Kit.
An 8-page booklet of coloring sheets and games that teaches children and their parents about antibiotic resistance. Suitable for grades 4 - 6. Size 8.5" x 11".

• See Activity Book electronic version. (pdf)
• See Answer Key electronic version. (pdf)

Antibiotic Resistance Presentation: "Down With Superbugs," geared towards lay audiences.

• See Powerpoint Presentation (11MB)

The Nose

The Nose is an interactive exhibit that travels to schools, health fairs and other healthy living events to dramatically support judicious use of antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance. A bit quirky by design, the exhibit that was produced by Oregon AWARE and their corporate partners has proven its effectiveness in getting the attention of children and parents. 

The Nose exhibit delivers prevention messages in a memorable way and makes a lasting impression. The exhibit is four feet tall and easily rolls to most any location. 

At the push of a button, The Nose makes a dramatic sneezing sound, which is punctuated by a spray of water through its nostrils. Then it speaks, saying one of five important healthy living tips.

“Don’t share your germs – cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough!”

“Antibiotics don't work for colds or the flu.”

“Don't be a quitter - if you're taking antibiotics, take every dose.”

“Wash your hands so you don't get sick too!”

“Sharing is great, but don't share your antibiotics.”

This exhibit contributes to Oregon AWARE general public messaging:

• Antibiotics don’t work for viral infections like colds or the flu.  These powerful medications only work against bacteria
• If your health care provider prescribes an antibiotic, take every dose as directed
• Never share antibiotics, take leftover antibiotics, or use them without a prescription
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough to keep from spreading infection to others
• Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently is the best way to keep from getting sick

The Nose exhibit was built by local sculptor Jonquil LeMaster and funded through an unrestricted educational grant from Oregon AWARE Partners.

Educators that would like to have The Nose visit their students should contact: Tamara Peterson, AWARE Coordinator e-mail or call 971-673-0968.

Video: Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Cure

A video that explains how inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and summarizes the dangers involved with treating viral infections with antibiotics. Video was produced by OHSU students for Oregon AWARE.