Lesson plan

Lesson Plan: The Surprising Legacy of the Boy in the Bubble

Grades 7-12

David Vetter, who became known as the Boy in the Bubble, was born with a rare genetic disorder, leaving doctors with few choices when it came to protecting his life in 1971. Thanks to Vetter, newborns today are screened for this immune deficiency disorder, offering hope to families across the country. Vetter’s story is examined for the medical, ethical and social implications of a life spent in a sterile environment, and the impact of his story on scientific advancements.