The 1918 influenza epidemic was much different than the typical flu season. Millions died the world over. But it was not only the number of deaths that was shocking; it was also the distribution of mortality over different age groups that was disturbing, as more young adults -- parents, breadwinners, and soldiers -- succumbed to the flu than ever before.
In this activity, students will create a line graph comparing and contrasting death rates by age group of the 1918 influenza with those during the years immediately preceding (1911-1917). Then students will analyze the graphs they created to evaluate the impact and importance of the 1918 flu epidemic.
This activity is especially valuable because it is interdisciplinary. It would fit in nicely in a science, math, or history class!
-Students will be practicing important math skills in creating and analyzing line graphs.
-They will also be digging deeper in their understanding of this historical time period, which includes World War I (WWI).
-Science students will love seeing how biology impacts history.
Incorporating interdisciplinary activities like this helps students do better on standardized tests -- and very often pleases administrators, which might be reflected positively on your evaluation.
This resource comes with a student assignment page, as well as an answer key.