The FDA Centennial: 100 Years of History Lesson Plan for Grades 9-12 Adaptable for Grades 6-8

Note: This lesson plan is intended to be used as a guide in planning a classroom activity on the history of the FDA. This is a supplement to FDA & YOU issue 9, available at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/fdaandyou.

Goals

The goal of this lesson plan is to familiarize students with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the centers within the agency, and significant events in FDA history.

Objectives

1. Students will have a better understanding of the function of the FDA and how it affects them.
2. Students will have a better understanding of the responsibilities of the centers within the FDA.
3. Students will have a better understanding of the history of the FDA.

Prerequisites

• Prior to beginning the lesson students should read FDA & YOU Issue 9 - Special Centennial Edition.
• Students should have a basic understanding of the function of the FDA.
• Students should have basic library research and computer skills.

Materials

1. FDA & YOU - Issue 9
2. Project Guide
3. Library Access
4. Internet Access

Lesson Procedure

1. Prior to beginning the lesson, post FDA & YOU – Issue 9 in the classroom. The timeline should be posted horizontally so that the decades are in chronological order.
2. Prior to beginning the lesson, lead an informal classroom discussion about the FDA. Ask students what they think the function of the FDA is and what types of products they believe the FDA regulates. Record student responses on a chalkboard or overhead.
3. For homework have students read FDA & YOU - Issue 9.
4. Divide students into groups of 3 or 4. Assign each group a decade from the timeline. The 1910’s and 20’s can be combined since these sections are brief. If necessary, larger decades can be divided to accommodate a larger group of students. Eight to ten groups will be needed to cover the entire century.
5. Allow at least one class period for students to research their assigned decade. You may provide students with the project guide to assist them in their research. The guide encourages students to think about how historical FDA milestones directly affect them. It will also help students focus on the significance of a specific milestone of their choosing.
6. Allow one class period for students to develop a 2-3 minute group presentation on the event they have chosen. Formatting of these presentations could include a public service announcement, advertisement, PowerPoint® presentation, or skit.
7. Allow adequate time during an additional class period for students to give their presentations.
8. After all presentations are complete, reassemble the class for a review session. You may use the following questions to guide the discussion.
   • What new information about the FDA did you learn from your research?
   • Compare what you have learned to the responses you provided during the previous class discussion.
   • Were you surprised by anything you learned?

Closure/Conclusion

As a homework assignment have students complete the “Who, What, When Activity” sheets. You can incorporate information from this lesson into future quizzes and tests if you like.

The FDA Centennial: 100 Years of History

Project Guide

Name _______________________________

Group Members______________________________________

Assigned Decade ____________

1. What significant world events took place during this decade?

2. In your opinion, which was the most important of these events?

3. Using library resources and the Internet, research the effects this event had on the public.

4. Consider the effects this event has had on the world today. What impact has this event had on your life?

The FDA Centennial: 100 Years of History
WHO, WHAT, WHEN?

WHO?

Based on what you’ve read in the FDA & YOU Centennial issue, match the FDA center with the products that each regulates. Write the letter that corresponds to your answer on the line provided.

1. _____ Eyeliner, Hair Dye, Mouthwash.

2. _____ Thermometers, Band Aids, Tongue Depressors

3. _____ Pain Relievers, Cough Drops, Antidepressants

4. _____ Food Labels, Toothpaste, Florida Oranges sold in Oregon

5. _____ Animal Hormones, Dog Food, Antibiotics for Pets

6. _____ Shampoo, Sugar, Flour

7. _____ Allergy Shots, Donated Blood, HIV Test Kits

8. _____ Pacemakers, Glucose Meters, Needles

9. _____ Meat, Animal Vaccines, Poultry

10. ____ Contact Lenses, LASIK Lasers, X-Ray Machines

WHAT?

Read and respond to the question below in short essay format. Responses should be 2-3 paragraphs in length.

What do you think life in the U.S. would be like if the FDA did not exist? How would your life be different? Consider the FDA-regulated products you use on a daily basis and what it would be like if there were no regulations to help ensure that these products are safe and effective.

WHEN?

Using the timeline from FDA & YOU issue 9, choose an FDA milestone from a decade of your choice. Research significant world events that occurred in that same time period. Based on what you have learned, write a short essay in response to the following question. Be specific in your response and cite your sources. Your response should be 2-3 paragraphs in length.

How do you think events of the time contributed to your FDA milestone? How do you think your FDA milestone affected future events?

The FDA Centennial: 100 Years of History
WHO, WHAT, WHEN?

WHO?

Based on what you’ve read in the FDA & YOU Centennial issue, match the FDA center with the products that each regulates. Write the letter that corresponds to your answer on the line provided.

1. __E__ Eyeliner, Hair Dye, Mouthwash.

2. __C__ Thermometers, Band Aids, Tongue Depressors

3. __B__ Pain Relievers, Cough Drops, Antidepressants

4. __E__ Food Labels, Toothpaste, Florida Oranges sold in Oregon

5. __A__ Animal Hormones, Dog Food, Antibiotics for Pets

6. __E__ Shampoo, Sugar, Flour

7. __B__ Allergy Shots, Donated Blood, HIV Test Kits

8. __C__ Pacemakers, Glucose Meters, Needles

9. __F__ Meat, Animal Vaccines, Poultry

10. _C__ Contact Lenses, LASIK Lasers, X-Ray Machines