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This How One Scientist Averted a National Health Crisis instructional video also includes:
Between 1957 and 1962, thousands of infants born in Canada, Great Britain, and Germany had serious deformities due to thalidomide, a drug marketed to pregnant women as a mild sleeping aid and to relieve pregnancy nausea. However, the drug never earned approval for use in the United States due to the diligence of one scientist. Learn how looking at science ahead of profits saved the lives of many.
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Instructional Ideas
- Graph the percent of medical degrees granted to women over time
- Learn more about Frances Oldham Kelsey
Classroom Considerations
- Relies on a general understanding of the role of the FDA in the US
Pros
- Highlights a female scientist
- Connects science, social science, history, geography, and social injustice concepts
- Links to excellent resources for extending the lesson
Cons
- None