Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
01/28/2019
Public Health Emergency Issued After Measles Outbreak
More than 30 measles cases have been confirmed in a Washington state outbreak, most of them children who have not been vaccinated. The illness can be fatal, dangerous for unvaccinated children, and doctors are saying even some vaccinated adults could be at risk. Before the measles vaccine, 400 to 500 people died from the measles each year, 50,000 people were hospitalized and 4,000 people developed brain swelling that can cause deafness. Between one and three cases out of every 1,000 are fatal.
■Class discussion: Have you been vaccinated against measles and other once common diseases? Why would anyone not immunize their children against serious, life-threatening diseases? Are the arguments against immunization based on solid scientific evidence or unproven fears? Why do people doubt science and scientists? Do you doubt scientists? Why or why not? Is climate change happening? How can people use advanced technology and then reject the very scientific theories that make that technology possible?