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Hi educators! I recently played the board game "Pandemic" with some friends and it got me excited about the possibility of using this in the classroom. The only thing is, some adaptation is necessary to make it more academically rigorous. Just a bit about the game: it is a cooperative (yes!!) game for up to 4 people (yes, several would be needed for a class). It takes about 45 minutes to complete the game (yes, this would be reserved for special occasions). Ages: 8+. BONUS: it has racial and gender diversity! Here is the game description from the manufacturer: "Four diseases have broken out in the world and it is up to a team of specialists in various fields to find cures for these diseases before mankind is wiped out. Players must work together playing to their characters' strengths and planning their strategy of eradication before the diseases overwhelm the world with ever-increasing outbreaks. For example the Operation Specialist can build research stations which are needed to find cures for the diseases. The Scientist needs only 4 cards of a particular disease to cure it instead of the normal 5. But the diseases are out breaking fast and time is running out: the team must try to stem the tide of infection in diseased areas while also towards cures. A truly cooperative game where you all win or you all lose." *Note: I realize that the potential sensationalism of this topic may need to be addressed. So, this game is really, really fun. This is the kind of game that students would just be begging to play. My idea is that they would accumulate "preferred activity time" (PAC) for good behavior and that this game would be an option. The challenge is, the game needs to be adapted to be more academically rigorous. Has anyone played this game and had similar thoughts? I would love to hear ideas! Here is the product: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2HD40E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=10KHJJYE8TPQ&coliid=IA7VQUNL8WLFU&psc=1

What a great idea for biology class.

Hi Jennifer! I think this is a great idea! What do you want to focus on when you use this game? It could be the transmission of disease to teach them about viruses but it can also be about bringing awareness to how disease spreads or which countries are more vulnerable to disease (more of a geographic approach). I think you can adapt it easily but you need a focus and also make sure they understand the significance. :)