This interactive module explores the diversity of viruses based on structure, genome type, host range, transmission mechanism, and vaccine availability.

The Click & Learn incorporates engaging 3D models of nine different viruses — rabies, influenza, HIV, Ebola, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), adenovirus, bacteriophage T7, papillomavirus, and Zika — that students can click on to rotate, view from different angles, and see in cross section. In the process, students will learn about the criteria that scientists use to classify viruses, the characteristics of different viruses, and the global prevalence of viral infections. The Click & Learn includes an illustration of the relative sizes of the nine viruses, which provides an opportunity to discuss scale and units.

The accompanying worksheet guides students’ exploration.