Journalism Lesson Plan

Overview:Texas has now required girls to receive vaccinations against the human papilloma virus (HPV), and, according to National Public Radio, currently 18 states and the District of Columbia are discussion the same issue. Is it a way to wipe out cervical cancer, as proponents say? Or does it encourage promiscuity, as those opposed fear? And what about the one company that now makes the vaccine? It stands to gain millions, but is it involved in the campaign to require vaccination?

Suggested time allotment: One week to explore what the laws are related to requiring vaccinations in your state; to research what kind of money Merck or other pharmaceutical companies might earn if the vaccine is required and to talk to local health authorities and students. Then one week to write the news feature.

Objectives

Students will:

1. Research the vaccination and what it is supposed to do and what yours and other states are discussing for requirements.
2. Explore what Merck or other drug companies might charge.
3. Consult with doctors and local health officials about the effect of the vaccine. Whom to they think should receive it? Should this be required or a decision between parents, daughters and doctors?
4. Interview if possible students or teachers who have taken or are considering taking the vaccine because of family medical history, etc.
5. Write a news feature about the issue, focusing on what is happening in your state and what the timeline for implementing might be; or focus on the choice to take the vaccine, even if it isn’t required.

Standards: National Council of Teachers of English and International Reading Association Standards for English Language Arts:

4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.

7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
8. Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
12. Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information).

Resources and materials:
Web sites with information:
• The National Public Radio site has a print and audio file by Brenda Wilson titled, “State Consider Requiring PHV Vaccine for Girls,” from the show “All Things Considered,” Feb. 5, 2007.
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• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site has its advisory committee report from June 2006 that recommended the vaccine’s use. Included on that page are links to information such as “Who should get the HPV vaccine,” plus its cost, safely, etc.
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• The federal program Vaccines for Children has a Web site that explains how that group helps families by providing vaccines free of cost to eligible children.
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• The National Cancer Institute also has a Web site that explains more about the immunization and what it means.
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• The press release from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains more about Gardasil, the only vaccine yet approved.
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• Joe Kernen of CNBC interviews two women with opposing views June 7, 2006, right before the vaccine is approved.
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