Vaccination & Immunity Lab 01: Vaccination & Immunity - Durable
Activity 01a- A Shot to Save the World Documentary
- A Shot to Save the World tells the story of the events leading up to the day in 1955 when Dr. Jonas Salk’s vaccine for polio, the most feared disease of the 20th century, was declared “safe, effective and potent.” This documentary provides insight into the dramatic medical breakthrough that brought the terrifying and crippling disease under control. The US polio epidemic in 1952 was the worst in the nation’s history, with 58,000 cases reported and over 3,000 deaths. The film is comprised of interviews with those who were involved in the valiant campaign against polio, from nurses who cared for and doctors who performed surgeries on young iron lung patients to the children and families across the country who came together to raise funds, one dime at a time, to provide care for stricken patients and to develop a preventive vaccine. The film tells the story of a disease that today is unfamiliar to many, highlights the collective relief felt when a successful vaccine appeared, and portrays the current efforts to eliminate polio permanently around the world. Video questions are included.
Activity 01b- Measles and Immunity
- This lab is a simulation of a disease outbreak. Several individuals with measles have been reported at the school. The HASPI Epidemic Prevention Coalition (HEPC) has quarantined the site. No one will be allowed to return home until it has been determined whether a risk of a widespread measles outbreak exists, and whether there are enough individuals on campus who have been vaccinated to prevent an epidemic. If at least 90-95% of the campus population demonstrates immunity, a significant outbreak should be prevented through “herd immunity.” After analyzing simulated samples from the students to test for both measles infection and immunity, the class will determine whether a sufficient degree of herd immunity exists to allow the students at the school to return home.
Activity 01c- Vaccination and Immunity Probability Simulation
- The class has been exposed to Wookiefacia. Probability tools will be used to determine what happens to each person exposed. Students will calculate the probability of individuals being hospitalized or dying and compare the probabilities for vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals.
Activity 01d- Invisible Threat Documentary
- An excellent example of how young adults can actively learn the science behind immunizations is the award-winning 42-minute documentary Invisible Threat made by high school students at Carlsbad High School in California. These students set out to produce a documentary about the human immune system and uncovered a social controversy they didn’t know existed. “Invisible Threat” explores the science of vaccination and chronicles the dangers of not vaccinating through interviews with families, physicians, and experts. The film, funded through unrestricted grants from Rotary Clubs in California, has received praise from more than 50 organizations including Children's Hospitals across the country. Dr. Paul Offit, a leading expert and Chief of the Division of Infectious Disease at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital, calls it “one of the best films made on this subject.” Video questions are included.
Activity 01e- Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness
- Are vaccinations safe and effective? What are the risks and benefits of vaccinating? In this activity, students will have the opportunity to conduct research on vaccines and the vaccination controversy. It is important to note that WHERE we get our research is just as important as WHAT we research. In Part I, students will do directed research to learn more about vaccines and misconceptions about vaccines, and in Part II they will have the opportunity to do some of their own research into the issue.
Activity 01f- Vaccination Survey
- Students have had the opportunity to research and gain more knowledge about vaccination safety and effectiveness, but there are many individuals who remain unsure on the issue. In this activity, students will conduct a survey to determine the knowledge and opinions of individuals around them in relation to vaccine safety and effectiveness. They will also have the opportunity to share and analyze information from their classmates to get a better idea of how individuals on their campus view vaccines.
Activity 01g- Discussing the Issue
- To vaccinate or not to vaccinate, that is the question! Students have had the opportunity to learn about, research, and perform a survey on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and controversies. Now it is time to discuss the issues with their peers. In this activity, students will discuss the questions and record/share their answers.
Activity 01h- Vaccination Education Project
- Now that students are more educated on the issues surrounding vaccinations, it is time to share what they have learned with their peers. With a partner, students will create an informational poster or brochure to communicate some of the survey results and information they have collected on vaccination safety and effectiveness.
Other items not included. May be purchased from independent supplier listed below.
Lab # | Description | Count | Purchase from | Cost |
Lab 1 | Coin | 1 | - | - |
Lab 1 | Deck of cards | 1 | - | - |
Lab 1 | Random number generator | 1 | www.random.com | - |
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