Vaccines and Viruses
Vaccines
Class Discussion:
We are going to have a class discussion on vaccines.
The first vaccine was the smallpox vaccine. In the early 1900's the smallpox vaccine was used to protect people against the deadly smallpox virus. A virus that had clammed the lives of millions. In the 1950's the world health organization began administering the smallpox vaccine world wide. By the late 1970's, the smallpox virus was eradicated. This was a triumph for humankind.
Since the creation of the smallpox vaccine, vaccines have been our friend and savior. Protecting us against deadly and debilitating viruses.
It was not until the 1990's that vaccines became a debate
Before we begin our discussion, you need to watch this video on how vaccines work.
Watch this short video on how vaccines work. Take notes so you are able to engage in a discussion and ask questions.
There is a group of people known as anti vaxxers. Anti vaxxers are against the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is a vaccine against three different viruses; Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. In the 1990's there was a rumor that the MMR vaccines could cause autism in children.
Listen to this 30 minute podcast about the history of the rumor that the MMR vaccine could lead to autism and then we will have a class discussion.
Listen to the "Socially Scientific" Episode 1 Podcast. While listing to the podcast write down questions you might have, comments, even how you feel. This way you are prepared to have a discussion about the episode.
Class Discussion:
What do you think of the anti vaxxer movement?
Do you think the government has the right to force people to get vaccines?
Currently, in most states, you cannot attend public school unless you have all your vaccines
We are currently in a pandemic. When a vaccine comes out for Covid-19, should the government force people to get it? What if we have large amounts of people that do not want to get the vaccine?
Why do you think it is important that all students take science classes in school even if they want to be a non-science related major?
What is the harm in being science illiterate?