Be on the right side of history. Scholars first learn about polio and the meetings of the 1954 Salk polio vaccine study. In groups, they select roles, such as parents, government officials, and statisticians, and decide on the best experimental design for a study testing the polio vaccine. Afterward, they look at the historical decisions made by state governments and compare them to their own.

Concepts

experimental design, vaccinations, polio, control groups, the placebo effect

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Invite a school nurse or doctor to discuss vaccines
  

Classroom Considerations

• Some prior preparation is necessary
• Resource indicates it is possible to adjust the amount of discussion, so the time requirement for the lesson is 30 minutes
  

Pros

• Provides background information for instructors
• Includes some suggestions and comments based on the experiences of the author in conducting the activity
  

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSS-IC.A.1 HSS-IC.B.3