Deadly Diseases
NOTE: The Inspiration Book for the original My Books Alive entry certainly isn’t a 2018 title.
Outbreak : science seeks safeguards for global health by Piddock, Charles - National Geographic, p2008, c2008--362.1--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 8.9. Explores how scientists are studying serious threats to public health, such as avian flu, SARS, ebola, and AIDS, in the hopes of stopping the spread of deadly diseases. Gives the history of outbreaks and future directions for keeping the world healthy from pathogens that threaten global populations.
Actually, it’s no longer even available, but many new appropriate titles are and current world events, I believe, make this entry appropriate to re-post. It has been completely revised and updated including new bibliographies for each grade level grouping.
Rationale: Health and disease units are have always been part of elementary and middle school curricula. The book is, however, very useful for research, especially for the upper elementary and middle school levels. Students will learn about staying healthy in Grades K-2, read about epidemics through the ages in Grades 3-8; and do research in Grades 5-8.
Grades K-3--I’m Sick
Background: The winter season is a tough time at most schools. Kids get sick; kids spread germs; kids miss school; kids spread more germs; and the cycle continues. The original Inspiration Book is too difficult for younger students, but a story hour about illness can be both fun and informative.
Preparation: Computer with Internet access and projection capability.
Introduction: What is a germ? How big is it? Why is it important to wash your hands? Let’s do an experiment to help us understand.
(Put a small amount of hand lotion in each student’s hands. Have them rub it all over
their hands. Over a bucket, sprinkle a small amount of glitter into each student’s
hands. Have them rub their hands to spread the glitter evenly. Next, have a few
students try to wipe the glitter off with a dry paper towel. Then, have a few students try
to get the glitter off with plain cold water. After that, have a few students use warm
water, with soap, to get the “glitter” germs off. [Let everyone wash his/her hands with
warm, soapy water. You may want to do the warm water wash at the conclusion of the story hour because it will disrupt, interrupt, and eat up time.])
(Bring everyone back together if needed.) What does the glitter represent (GERMS)? What happened when you tried to get the glitter off with just a paper towel? Cold water? Warm, soapy water? If you wash your hands after coughing or sneezing into them, the germs will be washed away and there will be less chance for people to get sick. Germs are so tiny they can only be seen with the help of a microscope.
Sing: If You’re Healthy and You Know it Wash Your Hands
Read-Aloud Caldecott Wiiner:
A sick day for Amos McGee by Stead, Philip Christian - Roaring Brook Press, p2010, c2010--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 3.1 Zookeeper Amos McGee, who is adored by all the animals, gets some unexpected guests while home sick one day. Caldecott 2011
Sing or View: Sing the If You’re Healthy and You Know it, Wash Your Hands song OR view OR do one of the activities you selected from Scrub Club.
Miss Bindergarten stays home from kindergarten by Slate, Joseph - Puffin Books, p2004, c2000--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 2.8 A kindergarten class helps their substitute teacher while their regular teacher, Miss Bindergarten, is home with the flu.
Review by asking the questions you did at the beginning. What is a germ? How big is it? Why is it important to wash your hands?
What did the glitter represent (GERMS)? What happened when you tried to get the glitter off with just a paper towel? Cold water? Warm, soapy water? If you wash your hands after coughing or sneezing into them, the germs will be washed away and there will be less chance for people to get sick. Germs are so tiny they can only be seen with the help of a microscope.
Read Aloud:
Bear feels sick (Bear And Friends (McElderry)) by Wilson, Karma; illustrated by Chapman, Jane— Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2007 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 1.8. The forest friends all gather to help care for Bear when he feels sick, and when they come down with the same symptoms, the newly recovered Bear returns the favor.
Teacher Resources:
Library Sparks January, 2010--online and paper (Immune System Webquest: T-Cells Fight the Flu, An American Plague Activity Sheets, Discussion (Cancer & Mental Illness) and Research Project Guides (Biographies, Epidemics, Discoveries, Advances, Changes, History). Readers’ Theater (Bear Feels Sick). This publication has been OP for about four years. If your librarian has a file of back issues, there are many ideas in this issue, especially the Readers’ Theater version of Bear Feels Sick.
Titles for Substitution and/or Display:
Iris has a virus by Alda, Arlene, 1933- - Tundra Books ,Tundra Books of Northern New York, p2008, c2008--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 2.3 Iris, having contracted a virus right before her family is suppose to go to Grandpa's party, imagines what type of bug got her sick.
Doctor Ted (by Beaty, Andrea - Marfaret K. McElderry Books, p2008, c2008--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 2.4 After bumping his knee one morning, Ted decides to become a doctor, but he has only one problem--he has no patients!
A sick day for Amos McGee by Stead, Philip Christian - Roaring Brook Press, p2010, c2010--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 3.1 Zookeeper Amos McGee, who is adored by all the animals, gets some unexpected guests while home sick one day. Caldecott 2011
Germs make me sick! by Berger, Melvin - HarperCollins, p1995, c1995--616.9--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 3.3 Explains how bacteria and viruses affect the human body and how the body fights them. Also available as a DVD from Reading Rainbow.
The wedding that saved a town by Strom, Yale — Kar-Ben Pub., 2008 -E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.6. A klezmer band travels to Pinsk to perform at a "shvartze chaseneh," or "black wedding"--an event staged by the residents to bring a miracle to their town threatened by a cholera epidemic.
Dr. Jo : how Sara Josephine Baker saved the lives of America's children by Kulling, Monica — Tundra Books, 2018. 610.92; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.7. A picture book biography of Sara Josephine Baker who became a doctor when most medical schools were closed to women. After graduating in 1898, she worked for the New York Public Health Department in neighborhoods of poor immigrant families where she treated their babies and children. FREE Teaching Resources available for download. at www.titlewave.com
Grades 3-8--A Reading Epidemic
Background: Encourage the health/science teacher to use this reading activity unit when studying communicable diseases. If you team teach both in the library and the classroom, the experience for students will be even richer. While all of the books recommended are historical fiction, the emphasis will not be on the literary aspects of historical fiction, but the facts and research needed, thus making the activity a health/science lesson. Rather than a detailed lesson as is often the case for My Books Alive, I suggest you glean ideas from the well developed five day lesson plan at ReadWriteThink http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/looking-history-historical-fiction-404.html
While the ReadWriteThinklesson emphasizes epidemic literature as historical fiction, you can easily use only the scientific aspects of the lessons. It’s very possible to include the language arts teacher and make the lesson a truly integrated unit.
Titles for Group or Individual Reading or Read Aloud:
The wedding that saved a town by Strom, Yale — Kar-Ben Pub., 2008--E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.6 A klezmer band travels to Pinsk to perform at a "shvartze chaseneh," or "black wedding"--an event staged by the residents to bring a miracle to their town threatened by a cholera epidemic. CHOLERA
The great trouble : a mystery of London, the blue death, and a boy called Eel by Hopkinson, Deborah — Alfred A. Knopf, 2013--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.2 Eel, an orphan, and his best friend Florrie must help Dr. John Snow prove that cholera is spread through water, and not poisonous air, when an epidemic sweeps across their London neighborhood in 1854. CHOLERA FREE Teaching Resources available for download at
The boy who saved Cleveland : based on a true story by Giblin, James Cross — Henry Holt and Company, 2006 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.5. During a malaria epidemic in late eighteenth-century Cleveland, Ohio, ten-year-old Seth Doan surprises his family, his neighbors, and himself by having the strength to carry and grind enough corn to feed everyone. MALARIA
The keening by LaFaye, A — Milkweed Editions, 2010--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.6
Lyza, having lost her mother to a pandemic of influenza in her small Maine village, tries to protect her father, who suffers from psychosis and is on the brink of institutionalization, while attempting to find her own path in life. INFLUENZA
Letters from Rifka by Hesse, Karen - Square Fish/Holt, p2009, c1992--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 4.6 Rifka, a young Jewish girl, writes to her cousin, chronicling her family's experiences fleeing Russia in 1919, and her own trials after being left in Belgium on her own while the others emigrate to America.
OP Marven of the great north woods by Lasky, Kathryn - Harcourt, p2002, c1997--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 4.8 When his Jewish parents send him to a Minnesota logging camp to escape the influenza epidemic of 1918, ten-year-old Marven finds a special friend. INFLUENZA
Blue by Hostetter, Joyce — Calkins Creek, c2006 p2010--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.9 Ann Fay Honeycutt becomes the man of the house at age thirteen after her father leaves to fight in World War II, forcing Ann to give up her childhood and tend to her family, but when a polio epidemic strikes, Ann faces the most devastating challenge of her life. FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com POLIOMYELITIS
Palace beautiful by Williams, Sarah DeFord — Puffin Books, c2010 p2011--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.9After moving to Salt Lake City, thirteen-year-old Sadie finds a journal in a hidey-hole in the attic, and along with her sister and new friend she reads about the influenza epidemic of 1918. INFLUENZA
Fever, 1793 by Anderson, Laurie Halse — Aladdin Paperbacks, c2000 p2002--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.0 In 1793 Philadelphia, sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic. YELLOW FEVER
Like the willow tree : the diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce by Lowry, Lois — e-Book--Scholastic, 2011--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.2 After being orphaned during the influenza epidemic of 1918, eleven-year-old Lydia Pierce and her fourteen-year-old brother are taken by their grieving uncle to be raised in the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake. Includes author's note about the Shakers. INFLUENZA FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com
Joshua's song by Harlow, Joan Hiatt - Aladdin Paperbacks, p2003, c2001--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 5.3 Needing to earn money after his father's death during the influenza epidemic of 1918, thirteen-year-old Joshua works as a newspaper boy in Boston, one day finding himself in the vicinity of an explosion that sends tons of molasses coursing through the streets. INFLUENZA
The scourge by Nielsen, Jennifer A — Scholastic Press, 2016 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.3. When the lethal plague known as the Scourge returns to Keldan the victims are sent to Attic Island, and Ani Mells of the River People is among them--but Ani does not feel sick, and with the help of her best friend, Weevil, she sets out to uncover the truth of what is happening, and expose the lies the people of Keldan have been told. FREE Teaching Resources available for download.
The apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker by DeFelice, Cynthia C — Farrar, Straus and Giroux, c1996 p2007--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.5 Twelve-year-old Lucas Whitaker, orphaned in 1849 when his entire family is claimed by consumption, takes a job as an apprentice with Doc Beecher, and learns the truth about the difference between superstition and science. CONSUMPTION
OP Blessing's bead by Edwardson, Debby Dahl — Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.5 In 1917, Aaluk leaves for Siberia while her sister Nutaaq remains in their Alaskan village and becomes one of the few survivors of an influenza epidemic, then in 1986, Nunaaq's great-granddaughter leaves her mother due to a different kind of sickness and returns to the village where they were born. INFLUENZA
The absence of sparrows by Kirchmeier, Kurt — Little, Brown and Company, 2019 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.9. Eleven-year-old bird watcher Ben must defy his brother to save their father after the glass plague sweeps through their town and a voice on the radio demands the simultaneous shattering of all plague victims.
When the circus came to town by Horvath, Polly — Farrar, Straus and Giroux, c1996 p1999--Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.9 Although Ivy and her family welcome the Halibuts, and their son Alfred becomes her best friend, not all the townspeople are pleased to have circus people as neighbors, especially as other circus families move in. SMALL POX
OP Listening for lions by Whelan, Gloria — HarperTrophy, c2005 p2006--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.0 Left an orphan after the influenza epidemic in British East Africa in 1919, thirteen-year-old Rachel is tricked into assuming a deceased neighbor's identity to travel to England, where her only dream is to return to Africa and rebuild her parents' mission hospital. INFLUENZA
The birchbark house by Erdrich, Louise — Hyperion Paperbacks for Children, c1999 p2002--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.1 Omakayas, a seven-year-old Native American girl of the Ojibwa tribe, lives through the joys of summer and the perils of winter on an island in Lake Superior in 1847. SMALL POX
Balto and the great race by Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody — Random House, 1999--636.73; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.2 Recounts how the sled dog Balto saved Nome, Alaska, in 1925 from a diphtheria epidemic by delivering medicine through a raging snowstorm. DIPHTHERIA
Running out of time by Haddix, Margaret Peterson — Aladdin Paperbacks, c1995 p1997--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.4 When a diphtheria epidemic hits her 1840 village, thirteen-year-old Jessie discovers it is actually a 1995 tourist site under unseen observation by heartless scientists, and it's up to Jessie to escape the village and save the lives of the dying children. DIPTHERIA
OP Hunted by Russell, Christopher, 1947- — Greenwillow Books, 2007--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.3 Brind, the huntsman of Dowe Manor, is tossed out of the manor--along with his mastiff Glaive, the foster child Aurelie, and her puppy Gabion--after the landlord's wife dies of the Plague, and together the small group goes in search of safety in a land filled with the Black Death. BUBONIC PLAGUE
Nonfiction Titles for Research and Reference:
The flu of 1918 : millions dead worldwide! by Rudolph, Jessica — Bearpoint Pub., 2011--614.5; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.8 Combines first-person accounts and dramatic photographs to describe the flu pandemic of 1918, discussing its cause, spread, consequences, and other related topics. INFLUENZA
Disease-hunting scientist : careers hunting deadly diseases by Willett, Edward — Enslow, 2010--614.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.2 Explores careers in and science of epidemiology through accounts of real-life scientists who investigate problems such as avian influenza, connections between bats and SARS, and cases of Ebola in Uganda.
Oh, rats! : the story of rats and people by Marrin, Albert — Dutton Children's Books, 2006--599.35; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.2 Describes rat behavior and survival skills and aspects of their relationship with humans, including disease, rats as food, rats as pests, and the training of rats as rescuers.
Killing germs, saving lives : the quest for the first vaccines by Phelan, Glen — National Geographic, 2006--615; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.3 The early days -- On the front lines -- The first vaccines -- A quest fulfilled -- The work continues. Traces the history of the vaccines that changed the way medical science treated diseases such as smallpox, cholera, and polio; and profiles scientists like Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister, and Florence Nightingale who contributed to the advancement of medicine.
When plague strikes : the Black Death, smallpox, AIDS by Giblin, James — HarperCollinsPublishers, c1995 p1997--614.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.4 Out of the East -- Between two raging fires -- Looking for scapegoats -- A changed world -- The plague returns -- The mysterious death of a Pharaoh -- Smallpox conquers the New World -- Inoculation : godsend or danger? -- Dr. Jenner's marvelous vaccine -- The end of smallpox? -- A mysterious new disease -- Frustrations and fears -- One mystery is solved -- An actor named Rock -- A normal happy teenager -- Losses and memorials -- No end in sight. Details the stories of the three most serious and damaging diseases in history: bubonic plague, smallpox, and AIDS. BUBONIC PLAGUE, SMALLPOX, AIDS
The flu by Ollhoff, Jim, 1959- - ABDO, p2010, c2010--616.2--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 6.6
The great influenza -- How the pandemic started -- What is influenza? -- How it spread -- Good and desperate treatments -- The virus stops -- Studying the 1918 influenza virus -- Influenza today. Chronicles the history of influenza, and describes the 1918 pandemic, how it spread, old and new treatments, and the flu in twenty-first-century society.achoo!
Achoo! : the most interesting book you'll ever read about germs by Romanek, Trudee — Kids Can Press, 2003--616; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.8 Provides information about germs, explaining how and why people get sick and how the body defends itself against bacteria and viruses, and including stories of germ encounters throughout history, as well as a selection of experiments.
Outbreak : plagues that changed history by Barnard, Bryn — Crown Publishers, 2005--614.4; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 7.0 Examines some of the world's worst diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, the Black Death, and Cholera, and describes how these epidemics helped to changed history.
Red madness : how a medical mystery changed what we eat by Jarrow, Gail — Calkins Creek, an imprint of Highlights, 2014--616.3; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.3 An account of the mysterious disease called pellagra that spread across the American South in the early 1900s that made people weak, disfigured, and insane and sometimes caused their deaths; and discusses how doctors and public health officials found the cause of the illness and stopped the epidemic. PELLAGRA FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com
The secret of the yellow death : a true story of medical sleuthing by Jurmain, Suzanne — Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009--614.5; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.5 Tells the story of the doctors and researchers who worked to track down the cause of yellow fever and find a way to eliminate the disease. YELLOW FEVER
Bugged : how insects changed history by Albee, Sarah — Walker Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Bloomsbury, 2014--595.7; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.6 Provides an examination of insects throughout history, covering both the positive and negative impact they have made.
Guinea pig scientists : bold self-experimenters in science and medicine by Dendy, Leslie A — Holt, 2005--616; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.0 Recounts the true stories of ten scientists and medical researchers that have endured extreme hardship and discomfort in order to test new discoveries and inventions in the fields of medicine and science.
AIDS and other epidemics by Ballard, Carol — G. Stevens, 2009--614.5; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.6 Discusses the causes of major infectious diseases, such as HIV, malaria, SARS, and meningitis, covering how they spread, treatment options, and what governments and health organizations can do to prevent epidemics and pandemics. HIV, MALARIA, SARS, MENINGITIS
An American plague : the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 by Murphy, Jim — Clarion Books, 2003--614.5; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9 No one noticed -- "All was not right" -- Church bells tolling -- Confusion, distress, and utter desolation -- "It was our duty" -- The prince of bleeders -- "By twelve only" -- "This unmerciful enemy" -- "A delicate situation" -- Improvements and the public gratitude -- "A modern-day time bomb." Provides an account of the yellow fever epidemic that swept through Philadelphia in 1793, discussing the chaos that erupted when people began evacuating in droves, leaving the city without government, goods, or services, and examining efforts by physicians, the Free African Society, and others to cure and care for the sick. YELLOW FEVER
The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 by Kupperberg, Paul — Chelsea House, 2008--614.5; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9 Introduction: influenza of a severe type -- The influenzavirus -- Outbreak -- Historic pandemics and epidemics -- North America -- The world -- Combating the pandemic -- Aftermath -- The future. Discusses the outbreak and worldwide spread of the deadly Spanish flu in 1918, methods of treating it, and efforts to study this killer virus and others like it. INFLUENZA
Pandemics by Miller, Debra A — Lucent Books ,Thomson/Gale, 2007--618.92; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9 When microorganisms attack -- The threat from infectious pandemics -- The battle against infectious disease continues -- Fighting today's pandemics -- Future pandemic threats -- Preventing and controlling future pandemics. Photographs, maps, and charts describe various pandemics around the world including the HIV virus, Bird Flu, and influenza. HIV, BIRD FLU, INFLUENZA
Teacher Resources:
Grades 5-8---Epidemics
Background: This is a gruesome, but intriguing topic for middle school students. Though the girls will curl up their noses, they will be drawn into the topic quickly. Follow the Reading Epidemic activity presented above for Grades 3-8 with a more in-depth study of a given disease for Grades 5-8.
Fifth graders often study United States history, and Laurie Halse Anderson’s book Fever 1793 would be a terrific literary and historical fiction study for the period immediately after the founding of the U.S. If you are using the unit with 6th graders studying the Middle Ages, a general unit about epidemics and plague is appropriate. If the 7th or 8th graders are studying World War I, this unit is also appropriate. Often World War I is glossed over in history classes. The flu epidemic of 1918 could be the basis for a cross-curricular study in language arts, science, health, and social studies.
Since there are so many possibilities for integrated use, I’ve simply prepared a bibliography suitable for each of the above units and connected them with online resources.
Do the basic introduction, then move to the individual social/studies unit bibliography. You could follow the same general approach that I suggested for the “Reading Epidemic” lesson for Grades 3-8 OR develop a simple online research activity about one of the epidemics listed below--symptoms and cures OR have each member of the class research a variety of diseases (that’s what I have planned for you below). For extra credit add history and statistics.
Preparation:
Write the following questions on a chart or white/chalkboard.
1. How are the germs or viruses passed from one person to another? Be specific.
2. How does the flu virus behave differently than your germ or virus?
3. Why is hand-washing an effective defense against germs and viruses?
4. What preventive methods are recommended?
5. What treatment is recommended?
6. Is there a cure? What is it?
7. Can the disease recur?
8. Extra credit: Locate statistics and historical information.
Gather the books for the specific disease being studied or for all of the diseases. OR, if time is not limited, have students choose their own books by using the catalog.
Write diseases on 5 x 8 notecards: smallpox, polio, yellow fever, bubonic plague, diptheria, flu, chickenpox, measles, AIDS, SARS, tuberculosis, Ebola, black death, bird flu, cholera, West Nile, malaria, MERS, COVID-19
Decide whether you would like to have these older students to the “Germ Experiment” found in the lesson for Grades K-3. If yes, gather supplies of hand lotion, glitter, paper towels, bucket.
Computer with Internet access
Poster board for each disease 18 x 24 size
Art supplies: scissors, colored papers, glue, markers, crayons, etc.
Introduction: Brainstorm a list of communicable diseases, illnesses, and epidemics throughout the world. These can be current health issues or items from the past. Some answers you might receive are smallpox, polio, yellow fever, the plague, diphtheria, MES, COVIS-19 and so forth.
Define: communicable disease, illness, and epidemics.
Communicable Disease : An infectious disease transmissible (as from person-to-person) by direct contact with an affected individual or the individual's discharges or by indirect means (as by a carrier)
Illness : Poor health resulting from disease of body or mind; sickness; a disease.
Epidemic : Spreading rapidly and extensively by infection and affecting many individuals in an area or a population at the same time, as of a disease or illness.
Pandemic: Prevalent throughout an entire, country, continent, or the whole world; epedemic over a large area.
Listen together or read the script: Germy Surfaces 6 - 12 | Audio | Lesson In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear Dr. Don Goldmann, an infectious disease specialist at Children's Hospital in Boston, discuss the...URL: http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.php?DocID=202
(If you plan to do the “Germ Experiment” it fits well here.)
Discuss together:
1. How are cold viruses passed from one person to another? Be specific.
2. How does the flu virus behave differently?
3. Why is hand washing an effective defense against the cold virus?
4. Would any of this change if the cold virus could live for a week outside the body? What would be different? Would certain forms of prevention become more or less important? Suppose only a few different kinds of viruses cause colds. How would our prevention strategy change?
An outbreak of illness is possible anywhere in the world, at any time of the year. The governmental health organizations around the world keep track of outbreaks, where they are and how fast they are spreading. These organizations also work on preventions and cures. We’re going to try to answer questions similar to the ones we answered about germy surfaces and viruses.
I’ve written names of diseases on 5 x 8 notecards. I’ll distribute them randomly. Find your research partners and plan a strategy to answer the questions written on the chart/white/chalkboard.
Allow time for book research. Limit the research time to one session. Students aren’t doing a major report, merely gathering data.
Day 2: Working with your group, design a poster about your disease. You may limit the design to prevention, cure, or knowledge about the disease. Remember that posters are graphic. Have your design approved, then make your poster on the 24 x 18 poster board. We’ll display them in the health room.
Note: Discuss the research with the group when they have the design approved to help students reflect and internalize the research. Encourage the health teacher to have students “present” their poster prior to placing it on display.
Illness/wellness Bibliography
General Epidemics Including Modern Epidemics Like AIDS, SARS, Tuberculosis:
AIDS and other epidemics by Ballard, Carol - G. Stevens, p2009, c2009--614.5--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 8.6 Discusses the causes of major infectious diseases, such as HIV, malaria, SARS, and meningitis, covering how they spread, treatment options, and what governments and health organizations can do to prevent epidemics and pandemics.
Killing germs, saving lives : the quest for the first vaccines by Phelan, Glen - National Geographic, p2006, c2006--615--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.3 The early days -- On the front lines -- The first vaccines -- A quest fulfilled -- The work continues. Traces the history of the vaccines that changed the way medical science treated diseases such as smallpox, cholera, and polio; and profiles scientists like Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister, and Florence Nightingale who contributed to the advancement of medicine.
Outbreak : plagues that changed history by Barnard, Bryn - Crown Publishers, p2005, c2005--614.4--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 7.0 Examines some of the world's worst diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, the Black Death, and Cholera, and describes how these epidemics helped to changed history.
Disease-hunting scientist : careers hunting deadly diseases by Willett, Edward, 1959- - Enslow, p2010, c2010--614.4--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.2 Explores careers in and science of epidemiology through accounts of real-life scientists who investigate problems such as avian influenza, connections between bats and SARS, and cases of Ebola in Uganda.
When plague strikes : the Black Death, smallpox, AIDS by Giblin, James - HarperCollinsPublishers, p1997, c1995--614.4--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.4 Out of the East -- Between two raging fires -- Looking for scapegoats -- A changed world -- The plague returns -- The mysterious death of a Pharaoh -- Smallpox conquers the New World -- Inoculation : godsend or danger? -- Dr. Jenner's marvelous vaccine -- The end of smallpox? -- A mysterious new disease -- Frustrations and fears -- One mystery is solved -- An actor named Rock -- A normal happy teenager -- Losses and memorials -- No end in sight. Details the stories of the three most serious and damaging diseases in history: bubonic plague, smallpox, and AIDS.
Aids (Voices (Smart Apple)) by James, Otto — Smart Apple Media, 2010 616.97; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.9. Offers a comprehensive discussion of the disease known as AIDS focusing on how people contract HIV, and raises questions like is AIDS a gay disease, is AIDS God's judgment, and why has AIDS spread in poorer countries, and other related questions.
Patient zero : solving the mysteries of deadly epidemics by Peters, Marilee — Annick Press, 2014. 614.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9. Looks at the history of epidemics, focusing on the great plague epidemic of 1665, yellow fever in Cuba in 1900, ebola in Zaire in 1976, and others.
Plagues of the Middle Ages
The door in the wall by De Angeli, Marguerite - Yearling, p1990, c1949--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 6.5 A disabled boy in fourteenth-century England proves his courage and earns recognition from the King.
When plague strikes : the Black Death, smallpox, AIDS by Giblin, James - HarperCollinsPublishers, p1997, c1995--614.4--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.4 Out of the East -- Between two raging fires -- Looking for scapegoats -- A changed world -- The plague returns -- The mysterious death of a Pharaoh -- Smallpox conquers the New World -- Inoculation : godsend or danger? -- Dr. Jenner's marvelous vaccine -- The end of smallpox? -- A mysterious new disease -- Frustrations and fears -- One mystery is solved -- An actor named Rock -- A normal happy teenager -- Losses and memorials -- No end in sight. Details the stories of the three most serious and damaging diseases in history: bubonic plague, smallpox, and AIDS.
Bubonic panic : when plague invaded America by Jarrow, Gail — Calkins Creek, an imprint of Highlights, 2016 616.9; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.8. Tells the true story of America's first plague epidemic March 1990, San Francisco --the public health doctors who desperately fought to end it, the political leaders who tried to keep it hidden, and the brave scientists who uncovered the plague's secrets. FREE Teaching Resources available for download at www.titlewave.com
Outbreak : plagues that changed history by Barnard, Bryn - Crown Publishers, p2005, c2005--614.4--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 7.0 Examines some of the world's worst diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, the Black Death, and Cholera, and describes how these epidemics helped to changed history.
The bubonic plague (Essential Events) by Cunningham, Kevin — ABDO Publishing Company, 2011 614.5; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.3. Death in Avignon -- The adversaries -- Justinian's plague -- The Black Death begins -- Europe invaded -- "The quivering spear of the Almighty" -- Blame and violence -- The second pandemic -- A new era -- Timeline -- Essential facts -- Glossary. Provides an account of the bubonic plague that swept Europe in the mid-fourteenth century, and provides information about the origins and cause of the disease and how it is spread.
Yellow Fever in Early America
Fever, 1793 by Anderson, Laurie Halse - Aladdin Paperbacks, p2002, c2000--Fic--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 5.0 In 1793 Philadelphia, sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic.
Guinea pig scientists : bold self-experimenters in science and medicine by Dendy, Leslie A., 1946- — Holt, 2005--616; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.3 Recounts the true stories of ten scientists and medical researchers that have endured extreme hardship and discomfort in order to test new discoveries and inventions in the fields of medicine and science.
Outbreak : plagues that changed history by Barnard, Bryn - Crown Publishers, p2005, c2005--614.4--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 7.0 Examines some of the world's worst diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, the Black Death, and Cholera, and describes how these epidemics helped to changed history.
OP The secret of the yellow death : a true story of medical sleuthing by Jurmain, Suzanne — Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009--614.5; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.5 Tells the story of the doctors and researchers who worked to track down the cause of yellow fever and find a way to eliminate the disease. Social Studies List 2010
An American plague : the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 by Murphy, Jim, 1947- - Clarion Books, p2003, c2003--614.5--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 8.9 No one noticed -- "All was not right" -- Church bells tolling -- Confusion, distress, and utter desolation -- "It was our duty" -- The prince of bleeders -- "By twelve only" -- "This unmerciful enemy" -- "A delicate situation" -- Improvements and the public gratitude -- "A modern-day time bomb." Provides an account of the yellow fever epidemic that swept through Philadelphia in 1793, discussing the chaos that erupted when people began evacuating in droves, leaving the city without government, goods, or services, and examining efforts by physicians, the Free African Society, and others to cure and care for the sick.
Patient zero : solving the mysteries of deadly epidemics by Peters, Marilee — Annick Press, 2014. 614.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9. Looks at the history of epidemics, focusing on the great plague epidemic of 1665, yellow fever in Cuba in 1900, ebola in Zaire in 1976, and others.
Smallpox
The birchbark house by Erdrich, Louise - Hyperion Paperbacks for Children, p2002, c1999--Fic--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 5.6 Omakayas, a seven-year-old Native American girl of the Ojibwa tribe, lives through the joys of summer and the perils of winter on an island in Lake Superior in 1847.
World War I Flu Epidemic
Yesterday's dead by Bourke, Pat — Second Story Press, 2012 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.3. Just after the First World War, thirteen-year-old Meredith must leave her small-town school to work as a servant in a doctor's home to help support her family, but, when the deadly Spanish Flu epidemic sweeps across the city, the doctor's household falls apart as its members fall ill one by one.
The keening by LaFaye, A — Milkweed Editions, 2010--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.6
Lyza, having lost her mother to a pandemic of influenza in her small Maine village, tries to protect her father, who suffers from psychosis and is on the brink of institutionalization, while attempting to find her own path in life.
The flu of 1918 : millions dead worldwide! by Rudolph, Jessica — Bearpoint Pub., 2011--614.5; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.8 Combines first-person accounts and dramatic photographs to describe the flu pandemic of 1918, discussing its cause, spread, consequences, and other related topics.
OP Marven of the great north woods by Lasky, Kathryn - Harcourt, p2002, c1997--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 4.8 When his Jewish parents send him to a Minnesota logging camp to escape the influenza epidemic of 1918, ten-year-old Marven finds a special friend.
Palace beautiful by Williams, Sarah DeFord — Puffin Books, c2010 p2011--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.9 After moving to Salt Lake City, thirteen-year-old Sadie finds a journal in a hidey-hole in the attic, and along with her sister and new friend she reads about the influenza epidemic of 1918.
Like the willow tree : the diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce by Lowry, Lois — e-book-Scholastic, 2011--Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.2 After being orphaned during the influenza epidemic of 1918, eleven-year-old Lydia Pierce and her fourteen-year-old brother are taken by their grieving uncle to be raised in the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake. Includes author's note about the Shakers.
Joshua's song by Harlow, Joan Hiatt - Aladdin Paperbacks, p2003, c2001--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 5.3 Needing to earn money after his father's death during the influenza epidemic of 1918, thirteen-year-old Joshua works as a newspaper boy in Boston, one day finding himself in the vicinity of an explosion that sends tons of molasses coursing through the streets.
OP Blessing's bead by Edwardson, Debby Dahl - Farrar, Straus and Giroux, p2009, c2009--Fic--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 5.5 In 1917, Aaluk leaves for Siberia while her sister Nutaaq remains in their Alaskan village and becomes one of the few survivors of an influenza epidemic, then in 1986, Nunaaq's great-granddaughter leaves her mother due to a different kind of sickness and returns to the village where they were born.
Listening for lions by Whelan, Gloria - HarperTrophy, p2006, c2005--Fic--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.0 Left an orphan after the influenza epidemic in British East Africa in 1919, thirteen-year-old Rachel is tricked into assuming a deceased neighbor's identity to travel to England, where her only dream is to return to Africa and rebuild her parents' mission hospital.
The flu by Ollhoff, Jim, 1959- — ABDO, 2010--616.2; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.6 The great influenza -- How the pandemic started -- What is influenza? -- How it spread -- Good and desperate treatments -- The virus stops -- Studying the 1918 influenza virus -- Influenza today. Chronicles the history of influenza, and describes the 1918 pandemic, how it spread, old and new treatments, and the flu in twenty-first-century society.
Outbreak : plagues that changed history by Barnard, Bryn - Crown Publishers, p2005, c2005--614.4--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 7.0 Examines some of the world's worst diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, the Black Death, and Cholera, and describes how these epidemics helped to changed history.
Pandemics by Miller, Debra A - Lucent Books ,Thomson/Gale, p2007, c2007--618.92--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 8.9 When microorganisms attack -- The threat from infectious pandemics -- The battle against infectious disease continues -- Fighting today's pandemics -- Future pandemic threats -- Preventing and controlling future pandemics. Photographs, maps, and charts describe various pandemics around the world including the HIV virus, Bird Flu, and influenza.
The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 by Kupperberg, Paul - Chelsea House, p2008, c2008--614.5--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 8.9 Introduction: influenza of a severe type -- The influenzavirus -- Outbreak -- Historic pandemics and epidemics -- North America -- The world -- Combating the pandemic -- Aftermath -- The future. Discusses the outbreak and worldwide spread of the deadly Spanish flu in 1918, methods of treating it, and efforts to study this killer virus and others like it.
More deadly than war : the hidden history of the Spanish flu and the first World War by Davis, Kenneth C — Henry Holt and Company, 2018 614.5; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9. Explores how the Influenza Epidemic of 1918 intertwined with the horrors of World War I, offering insights from first-hand reports by medical professionals and survivors.
Patient zero : solving the mysteries of deadly epidemics by Peters, Marilee — Annick Press, 2014. 614.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9. Looks at the history of epidemics, focusing on the great plague epidemic of 1665, yellow fever in Cuba in 1900, ebola in Zaire in 1976, and others.
Teacher Resources:
Disease-hunting scientist : careers hunting deadly diseases by Willett, Edward, 1959- — Enslow, 2010--614.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.2 Explores careers in and science of epidemiology through accounts of real-life scientists who investigate problems such as avian influenza, connections between bats and SARS, and cases of Ebola in Uganda. AVIAN INFLUENZA, SARS, EBOLA
Guinea pig scientists : bold self-experimenters in science and medicine by Dendy, Leslie A — Holt, 2005--616; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.3 Recounts the true stories of ten scientists and medical researchers that have endured extreme hardship and discomfort in order to test new discoveries and inventions in the fields of medicine and science.
Killing germs, saving lives : the quest for the first vaccines by Phelan, Glen — National Geographic, 2006--615; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.3 The early days -- On the front lines -- The first vaccines -- A quest fulfilled -- The work continues. Traces the history of the vaccines that changed the way medical science treated diseases such as smallpox, cholera, and polio; and profiles scientists like Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister, and Florence Nightingale who contributed to the advancement of medicine. SMALLPOX, CHOLERA, POLIO
