Lesson Plan: AIDS: From Ryan White to Today’s Silent Epidemic
Grades 6-12
In the early 1980s, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was primarily diagnosed in homosexual men in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. Many people reacted with ignorance and bigotry. Before long, it became clear that women with infected sexual partners and those who shared blood could become infected. As the AIDS epidemic spread, so did fear. At that time, there was no treatment for H.I.V. (the virus that causes AIDS), and by 1988, 20,000 Americans had died from AIDS. In the mid-1980s, the stigma around H.I.V.-positive people began to change, in part because of the story of Ryan White, a 13-year-old boy in Kokomo, Ind. He had hemophilia, and had contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion. What can be learned from history, and from the story of Ryan White?
Sign up to instantly access
free resources for teachers
With 300+ short-form documentaries and dozens of educator-approved lesson plans, Retro Report brings history to life in your classroom.
Register for free to access classroom materials and student activities.
Already have an account? Sign In.
Thank you for registering!
An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link.
