Project Description: This project is a webquest which is a learning activity that utilizes the web as a learning tool, encourages group activities and utilizes a variety of assessment tools. It is meant to teach students about viral diseases in general and smallpox in particular. It allows students to work in groups learning from each other and then working together to resolve an ethical issue. It incorporates the use of various research tools including websites. Students are challenged to learn about the scientific and historical significance of the the disease smallpox so that they may make a meaningful contribution to the resolution of the bioethical issue of whether the stored smallpox virus should be destroyed or kept stored for possible future medical and research use.

Background: Smallpox is a dreaded viral disease that has sickened and killed humans for at least 10,000 years. The disease appears to have been eradicated in the 20th century with the last known case of smallpox documented by the WHO in January, 1978. The United States and Russia have the only two repositories of the last of the smallpox virus samples. In April, 1999, the Clinton Administration announced that it would not destroy its stored samples as previously agreed. What are the possible reasons for this reversal of plans? Students will gather the scientific information and other pertinent facts to help answer the question just posed. By exploring this "real world" issue they will related many disciplines, science, mathematics, history, and English, learn research techniques, work in cooperative groups sharing information and learning from each other, present and teach their findings by utilizing a variety of tasks and finally use critical thinking skills to resolve the bioethical question.

This two week unit is designed for students at the middle school level taking life science. It can be easily adapted for high school students enrolled in a biology 1 class.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

This webquest involves students working in groups of 4 to gather information that will allow them to make an educated and informed proposal to world health authorities exploring and debating the issue of the stored smallpox virus. It is an interdisciplinary experience since there will be a scientist, mathematician, biographer, and historian among the team members.

Instructional & Assessment Methodology:

Each student will be grades individually based on a rubric geared to assess the accomplishment of their particular tasks and responsibilities. Each student will answer a series of questions and present a visual project to enhance and demonstrate his/her understanding of the background information and the current event issue. The group will produce a final product that expresses their point of view on the smallpox question. This final presentation will be evaluated using a rubric.

Student Performance Standards:

New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science addressed in this module

5.2 - Problem Solving

5.3 - History of Science

5.4 - Technology

5.5 - Mathematics

5.6 - Structure of Living Things

Learning Activities:

Students will do research using websites, texts, current event resources (science journals, newspapers) and interviews when appropriate

Students will work in cooperative groups

Students will develop presentation skill

Students will produce a visual representation of their learning.

suggested websites:

http://www.microbeworld.org/

http://www.tulane.edu/~dmsander/garryfavweb.html

http://www/amnh.org/

http://www.discovery.com/

http://www.cellsalive.com/

http://www.cdc.gov/

http://www.who.org/

http://www.pbs.org/

http://www.aap.org/

suggested bibliography:

Locke, David. Viruses: the smallest enemy

suggested contacts:

About the Author:

Educational background

M.S. Science Education - City College of New York

B.A - Cum Laude, Biology/Physiology - Hunter College, New York

Teaching experience - 23 years

Courses taught - advanced, honors, college preparatory, non - college preparatory biology

physical science, life science

Sharon Weiss developed this module in February, 2000 as a participant in the NJBISEC Microbiology Summer Residential Institute ‘99 (MSRI)