Lesson plans for a 3(4, with options) day investigation of the way scientists discovered germ theory and learned to control some of the worst epidemic diseases. The lesson plan for day 1 introduces epidemic diseases and research with 2 short videos on smallpox and the transmission of cholera and a reading section on the conquest of yellow fever.

Day 2-3: Instructions for a Webquest: Small groups of students each investigate and make a presentation on a specific scientist (starting with two suggested links each for 11 scientists who discovered crucial information on the causes and treatments of disease.) The lesson finishes with an optional video on the current fight to eradicate polio, and then some suggested discussion questions to help students think critically about what they have learned.