In order to more fully understand how an infectious disease can spread through a population, students utilized a Stella model to explore the transmission of the flu. Using the model, students were able to manipulate factors such as the number of people initially infected with the illness, the size of the population, and the rates of infection and recovery. They made predictions, tested their hypotheses, and discussed how different factors can influence and/or lead to an epidemic.

In addition to improving their understanding of disease transmission, the model also reinforced several key science skills, including the manipulation of variables and interpreting charts and graphs. Without Stella, students would not have been able to explore the topic as actively or in such depth.