Using the similarities between biological and computer virus behavior to connect and teach introductory concepts in cybersecurity in a biology classroom

This paper describes a cybersecurity and virus themed project within a high school biology classroom. The project was implemented as part of a yearlong partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and Drexel University and sponsored by the National Science Foundation grant for Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 education. Students spent the school year learning about the behaviors of biological and computer viruses through various activities, lectures and discussions. At the end of the school year, students used that information to present solutions for a scenario in which a virus outbreak occurred within their high school. The project was successful in increasing knowledge of engineering subjects and class observations showed student engagement and enjoyment in project activities. Future work will focus on improving project implementation by evaluating how administration in short vs long time periods could affect student engagement and project outcomes. This project can serve as a model for those who would like to integrate engineering into the science curriculum.