Social Studies 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 (or less if the class divides into teams and each investigates one part of the issue) 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. Then two days to plan a presentation to the class or an informational program to be presented in the community if your state is one discussing this.

Objectives

Students will:

1. Research the vaccination and what it is supposed to do and what other states are discussing for requirements.
2. Explore what Merck or other drug companies might make.
3. Consult with doctors and local health officials about the effect of the vaccine.
4. Present your findings to the class.
5. Consider a campaign to inform others about the pros and cons of requiring this.

Curriculum Standards from the National Council for the Social Studies: Thematic Strands, from “Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies.”
• VI — Power, authority and governance. Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of how people create and change structures of power, authority, and governance…. High school students develop their abilities in the use of abstract principles. They study the various systems that have been developed over the centuries to allocate and employ power and authority in the governing process. At every level, learners should have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to and participate in the workings of the various levels of power, authority, and governance.
• VI – Production, distribution and consumption. Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of how people organize for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.…. High school students develop economic perspectives and deeper understanding of key economic concepts and processes through systematic study of a range of economic and sociopolitical systems, with particular emphasis on the examination of domestic and global economic policy options related to matters such as health care, resource use, unemployment, and trade.

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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