Biology 11
Vaccinations Research Assignment
Over the course of the past few weeks we have learned about
bacteria and their structure, how Antibiotics work as well as Viral
Reproduction – The Lytic and Lysogenic Cycles. We’ve also learned
about the innate immune system and adaptive immune system
Response. Now we are going to look at how Vaccines work, and
how effective they have been over the course of history.
1. Explain in general how a vaccination works. What is it designed to do? What is the science behind how a
vaccination works? (you may draw pictures)
2. From the list below choose a vaccine.
a. Name the disease.
b. Describe what type of pathogen it is. (viral or bacterial?)
c. Provide a picture of the pathogen.
d. If one wasn’t vaccinated, explain the how the pathogen effects the human body. I.e.: Signs and
symptoms you have the disease.
3. For your disease, how effective has your vaccine been since it was created?
4. What is Thimerosal? Why is it used in certain Vaccines? What is the difference between Ethylmercury
Methylmercury? Is thimerosal used in childhood Vaccines? (Please provide a specific resource for this question)
5. Find two magazine articles about vaccines, one fore and one against vaccines.
a. Summarize the articles in your own words.
b. Explain why you think this is either a good or bad article and why. Be very critical.
6. How is it possible that people can get a flu vaccine but still get the flu? Why do you need to get a flu vaccine
each year?
7. What is meant by “Herd immunity”? How does it prevent the spread of diseases?
8. After learning about vaccines, what is your view about getting vaccinated?
List of Vaccines
Cholera
Dengue Fever
Haemophilus
influenzae type b (Hib)
Diphtheria
Human papillomavirus
(HPV)
Hepatitis A
Influenza
Hepatitis B
Japanese encephalitis
Measles
Meningococcal
meningitis
Mumps
Pertussis
Pneumococcal disease
Poliomyelitis
Rabies
Rotavirus
Rubella
Tetanus
Tick-borne encephalitis
Tuberculosis
Typhoid
Varicella
Yellow Fever
Biology 11
Marking Criteria:



/30
Students will exercise a healthy, informed skepticism and use scientific knowledge and findings to form their
own investigations to evaluate claims in primary and secondary sources.
Critically analyze the validity of information in primary and secondary sources and evaluate the approaches used
to solve problems
Communicate scientific ideas, information, and perhaps a suggested course of action, for a specific purpose and
audience, constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions, and
representations
Information
Not yet meeting expectations
1–2
Student didn’t describe how
vaccines work in general, and
the science behind vaccines.
Didn’t describe Thimerosal.
Student provided very little
information about the disease
their vaccine was designed for
and some of the signs and
symptoms of the disease.
Meeting Expectations
3-4
Student somewhat
described how vaccines
work in general, and the
science behind vaccines.
Somewhat described
Thimerosal.
Exceeding Expectations
5-6
Student fully described how
vaccines work in general,
and the science behind
vaccines. Fully described
Thimerosal.
Student provided ample
information about the
disease their vaccine was
designed for and the signs
and symptoms of the
disease.
Student described concerns
about vaccines.
Student provided some
information about the
disease their vaccine was
designed for and some of
the signs and symptoms of
the disease.
Student described concerns
about vaccines.
Student somewhat summarized
1 article about its views on
vaccines.
Student somewhat
summarized 2 articles about
views on vaccines.
Student fully summarized 2
articles about views on
vaccines.
They didn’t provide an opinion
about the article.
They provided a short
opinion about the article.
They provided a detailed
opinion about the article.
Communicate
Scientific Ideas
Student didn’t communicate
their view on vaccines.
Analyze cause and
effect of vaccinations
Students did not explain what is
meant by herd immunity.
Sources
two sources were given APA
formatting
Student somewhat
communicated their view
on vaccines.
Students only explained
what is meant by herd
immunity.
Three sources were given
APA formatting
Responsibility
Assignment was handed in
within 4 days of the due date
Student coherently and fully
communicated their view
on vaccines.
Students fully analyzed and
explained what is meant by
herd immunity.
More than three sources
were given
APA formatting
Assignment was handed in
on time
Critical Thinking and
communication
-10
Assignment was handed in
within two days of the due
date
-5
Student fully described
concerns about vaccines.
0