Drama: The Plague at Eyam and The Discovery of Vaccines

These two drama scripts, from the Association for Science Education (ASE), can be used to stimulate discussion and debate. These activities can be developed as far as teachers like, including ideas for short role-plays in science classes or full school productions.

The Plague at Eyam is a script for students to explore the true story of the plague in the village of Eyam, in Derbyshire, in 1665. It provides a context to explore disease transmission and modern hygiene techniques for reducing the spread of disease.

The Discovery of Vaccines is a play based on the development of vaccines by Louis Pasteur

[ASE would be very pleased to hear from the copyright holders whom we regretfully have been unable to trace, in order that full acknowledgement can be made for this material.]

Both of these plays provide a Key Stage Three context for students to consider development of science from a historical viewpoint. They could be used as the basis of cross-curricular work between Science, Drama and History departments as a Science Year event. Teachers could incorporate talks from a local doctor and hospital pathology department to enhance the activity.

Role-plays often use techniques derived from drama, which may be adapted for use in teaching science. Role-play in science may be underrated and underused, often because of misconceptions about what role-play is and how it can be put to use in science education. Gabrielle McSharry and Sam Jones have explored the educational importance of role-play, considering the difficulties and advocating the possibilities in this article from School Science Review.