Introduction

Influenza is a topic that is pertinent in every student's life and should generate much interest and involvement. The target audience for this unit is an advanced biology class such as an AP Biology or IB Higher Level Biology course. The unit involves the use of technology that is assumed is readily available in the classroom. Previously learned knowledge should include but not be limited to molecules, cells, genetics and some human physiology including the human circulatory, respiratory and immune systems. This unit could easily be adapted for different grade levels, class time, class size, technology access, etc.

Teacher's Guide for Day 1: History

Activities:

• Have students read "The Enigma of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic" by Alfred W. Crosby prior to class so they can contribute to a class discussion of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic.
• Presentation on the History of the Flu - this presentation provides a brief history of the Spanish Flu, the Asian Flu, and the Hong Kong Flu and discussion prompts for the Spanish Flu.
• Presentation on the Microbiology of the Flu Virus - this presentation address the microbiology of the flu virus and information on naming subtypes. The three main types of the flu virus are discussed as well as antigenic drift and antigenic shift.
• Presentation on the Evolution/Adaptation of the Flu Virus - this presentation discusses the impact RNA mutations have on the evolution of the influenza virus.

Resources:

• The Enigma of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic" by Alfred W. Crosby - PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader Needed)
• Introductory presentation on the History of the Flu
• Presentation on Microbiology of the Flu Virus
• Presentation on Evolution/Adaptation of the Flu Virus

Teacher's Guide for Day 2: The Disease

Activities:

• Discuss the Concepts of Infection, Disease, Pathogenesis and Virulence
• Presentation of the Disease Cycle of a typical influenza infection

Resources:

• Introductory presentation of Disease Cycle

Teacher's Guide for Day 3: Epidemiology

Activities:

• Presenation on Influenza Epidemiology
• Have students complete online activity on vectors and transmission of influenza called "Secrets of the Dead"
• Assign "The 1918 Flu Killed Millions. Does it Hold Clues for Today" to be read as homework
• Assign the reading comprehension questions for "The 1918 Flu Killed Millions. Does it Hold Clues for Today"

Resources:

• Influenza Epidemiology - PowerPoint presentation
• Vectors and Transmission of Influenza Online Activity "Secrets of the Dead" - MS Word Document
• Read NY Times article titled "The 1918 Flu Killed Millions. Does it Hold Clues for Today"
• Reading Comprehension Questions for "The 1918 Flu Killed Millions. Does it Hold Clues for Today"

Teacher's Guide for Day 4: Treatment

Objectives:

The students will be able to:

• Describe common treatments for the flu and the biological basis for them.
• Describe how vaccines prevent disease, different types of vaccines, how the flu vaccine is predicted and produced, the biological basis for why the flu vaccine changes every year and the research and prospects of H5N1 vaccine.
• Describe methods of vector control for H5N1.

Activities:

• Power Point presentation on Vector Control of H5N1 and 10-2 activity
• Jigsaw activity on vaccines (general and specific to influenza)
• Internet activity/class discussion for medical care of influenza

Resources:

• Multiple websites (Please refer to activities)
• Power Point presentation for Vector Control of H5N1