Typhoid Mary

Students will write a first person letter similar to the one Mary Mallon (Typhoid Mary) wrote to the Board of Health. Students will use both scientific evidence and personal opinion to convince the audience about their position regarding a contagious disease. They will research what happened with Typhoid Mary and watch a video that shows her experience. They will also read a letter Mary wrote to the Board of Health requesting her release. This research and examination of the letter will prepare students to select a contagious disease currently impacting Americans and the world and write a letter to their congressman advocating for more funding to be put to the treatment and awareness of the contagious disease. After writing the letter, students will design an informational brochure that informs the public about the issue and outlines steps to take for care and prevention.