In the Antibiotics: Whose to Use? module, students will read three articles about antibiotics and the competing uses of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture. The articles, one from Scientific American, one from Harvard Magazine, and one from the congressional testimony of a scientist from the Animal Health Institute, discuss the scientific research behind the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and the competing views about the role that agricultural use plays in the emergence of these superbugs. Students will read and discuss these three articles, noting how the authors develop their arguments. They will conclude the module by writing a 500-word (2- to 3-page) editorial that identifies the different perspectives of the stakeholders, and develops an argument for what the government can, or should, do about the issue.
Adapted from the Literacy Design Collaborative’s Pandemic Module. https://ldc.org/
Teaching Task
Government policies and regulations must balance the needs of multiple stakeholders, and take into consideration the cost and benefits that the new laws will impose. Which is more important: the production of inexpensive and safe food, or slowing the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria? After reading three articles pertaining to this issue, write an editorial in which you identify the different perspectives of the stakeholders, and develop an argument for what the government can, and should, do about the issue. Support your position with evidence from the text(s). Be sure to examine competing views. Give one or more example/s from past or current events to illustrate and clarify your position.
Texts
Moyer, Melinda Wenner (2016). How Drug-Resistant Bacteria Travel from the Farm to Your Table. Scientific American, December 1, 2016. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-drug-resistant-bacteria-travel-from-the-farm-to-your-table/
Xue, Katherine (2014). Superbug: An Epidemic Begins. Harvard Magazine. May-June, 2014.
Carnevale, Richard. (2010). Antibiotic Resistance and the Use of Antibiotics in Animal Agriculture. Testimony to the Congressional Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health. July 14, 2010. https://www.ahi.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/July-14-2010-Testimony-by-Richard-Carnevale.pdf
For additional tasks and assessment rubrics, see the Pandemic unit attached below.