Units for High School and College Students
These educational resources introduce high school and college students to concepts related to the immune system, the types of agents that cause infectious diseases, and vaccine history and science. Lessons employ the 5Es pedagogic model of teaching (engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration and evaluation) and are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Educators are encouraged to utilize this flexible curriculum in whole or part to support learning objectives. Content can be used in a variety of settings including classrooms, STEM enrichment programs, homeschool sessions, museums, science centers and science camps or clubs.
Unit 1: The Human Immune System
This unit explores how the immune system functions.
Unit 1 Overview (PDF)
Unit 1 Pre-activities for Students (PDF)
Lessons
Lesson 1: Organs and Tissues of the Immune System
Lesson 2: The Innate Immune System
Lesson 3: The Adaptive Immune System
Unit 2: Disease and Vaccines
Unit 2 describes how disease and infection overcome our immune system and how vaccines are made.
Unit 2 Overview (PDF)
Unit 2 Pre-activities for Students (PDF)
Lessons
Lesson 1: Development of Disease and Infection
Lesson 2: Case Studies: Influenza and HIV
Lesson 3: Discovery and Development of Vaccines