Students learn about the human side of vaccine development to understand that the discoveries of numerous scientists contribute to our understanding of a scientific topic, such as vaccines.

Students read an illustrated passage about Edward Jenner, the English doctor who developed the smallpox vaccine and research different vaccine heroes, using their information to compile a list of five heroes they would invite to a party. This learning is reinforced by group work in which students create a timeline for selected guests and include information about the guests’ contributions to vaccine success. A concluding activity invites students to write a brief essay about which of their guests would be the guest of honor at their party and why.