Vaccinations, Science, and the Law
Overview
In this two-part lesson students explain the role of science in informing public policy. In Part I, students discuss their prior knowledge of vaccinations and the purpose of vaccinations. In Part II, students assume the roles of members of Congress to determine if they will support a bill to require the federal government to compare the health outcomes of vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Students use primary sources to explore the issue and then will work in small groups to discuss the most important factors affecting Congress’s decision. Finally, students interview an adult about their knowledge and opinion of science and public policy, particularly related to vaccinations.
Related Resources
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Vaccination Resistance in Historical Perspective
The American Historian Issue 5 August 2015 -
Mandatory Vaccinations: Yea or Nay?
High school lesson plan -
Science, Civics, and Primary Sources: A Measles Debate One Hundred Years Ago
Teaching with the Library of Congress blog post -
Primary Source Spotlight: Polio
Primary sources & background information -
Typhus and Dr. Harry Plotz
Primary source set -
More Science Resources
Lesson plans, activities, primary source sets, secondary sources
Grade
Middle School
Subjects
Civics, Science
Length
80-100 minutes
Topics
compulsory vaccinations, congress, health, immunizations, law, legislation, Mandatory Vaccinations, public health, public policy, science, vaccinations