Current Science Issues: Is Gardasil a Safe Vaccine for Young Women to prevent HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)?
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Current Science Issues: Is Gardasil a Safe Vaccine for Young Women to prevent HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)?
Lesson Overview
This lesson teaches students to use current media (newspapers, magazines, and the internet)to research a controversial topic in health science today.
Goals and Objectives
1. To train students to research and evaluate public health issues
2. To help students find supporting and opposing arguments in science literature.
3. Have students learn how to write a position paper.
Common Misconceptions
The Lesson
Preparation Before class: 1 computer per student, LCD projector with speakers and computer for teacher Prepared handouts
Describe any pre-class preparation necessary for the lesson.
Xerox handouts Image:Student Handout.doc
You will use the Internet to objectively research a current science issue. After gathering and reflecting on five Pro arguments and five Con arguments, you will write a short position paper that clearly states your point of view and in which your reasoning is supported by fact rather than emotion.
Position paper
Use the information on the other side of this page to write your four paragraphs paper. Each paragraph will have the following components:
Paragraph #1 (Introduction)
1. Describe the theory or controversy that exists by defining science terms.
2. Clearly identify the position of the paper in the third person.
1.Paragraph #2 (Body)
2.Describe at least two arguments to support the position of the paper. The arguments need to be:
clearly explained in detail.
3Based on scientific evidence that has been verified with valid experiments (emotional reasons are unacceptable).
4Acknowledged with the source(s) of information used to build your argument.
Paragraph #3
Refute the main argument for the opposing viewpoint.
Paragraph #4 (Conclusion)
Summarize the main points and suggest future action. Your future action should describe one of the following:
1Additional research that is needed to strengthen your position
2Additional research that is needed to expose weaknesses of the opposing position
3Application of this theory to a similar topic
4Governmental laws that are needed immediately to support your position.
>>>>> Adapted and reprinted with permission from Lynn Ocorr.
Suggestions for Extended Learning
Suggest any extensions to the lesson.
Glossary
HPV - human papilloma virus Cervical cancer - disease affecting the cervix
Education Standards
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Safety and security are basic needs of humans. Safety involves freedom from danger, risk, or injury. Security involves feelings of confidence and lack of anxiety and fear. Students understandings include following safety rules for home and school, preventing abuse and neglect, avoiding injury, knowing whom to ask for help, and when and how to say no.
