Vaccinations, Science, and the Law

Is your child vaccinated Vaccination prevents smallpox

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

Grade

Middle School

Subjects

Civics, Science

Length

80-100 minutes

Topics

Mandatory Vaccinations, compulsory vaccinations, congress, health, immunizations, law, legislation, public health, public policy, science, vaccinations

Author

Citizen U CRF

More Lessons

Voting: Rights and Responsibilities

By Citizen U CRF

Congress and Child Labor

By KidCitizen

Covering Mental Health

By PBS NewsHour Extra

TB or Not TB: Disease Prevention

By Citizen U

The New England Fishing Industry: Sea Changes in a Community

By Teaching with the Library of Congress

Outbreak – A World Wide Health Crisis

By Cheryl Davis

All the Way to the Top

By Tom Bober

Welcome to Congress

By KidCitizen

U.S. Constitution: Continuity and Change in the Governing of the United States

By Teaching with the Library of Congress

Reservation Controversies

By Teaching with the Library of Congress

What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?

By Tom Bober

The Immigrant: Acquisition or Detriment?

By Primary Source Nexus

How Did Birds Gain Political Protection?

By TPS Eastern Region

Bonus Veterans

By Primary Source Nexus

Pandemic and Civic Virtue: The American Red Cross and the Influenza Pandemic of 1918

By Teaching with the Library of Congress

Snap a Photo: Agent of Change

By KidCitizen

You Can’t Always Get What You Want (But If You Lobby Sometimes, You Might Find, You Get What You Need)

By Democracy Project

Motor Vehicle Safety

By Primary Source Nexus

Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution.

By Tom Bober