Free to use in class. Play it a few times; it's made to support what students learn in class, not replace it.
About this song
A cinematic rock anthem about how vaccines work, for grades 6-9, written by a PhD molecular virologist. Diagrams show every idea as it's sung: antigens, antibodies, B and T cells, immune memory, the vaccine types (weakened, killed, protein pieces, toxoids and mRNA), toxins and conjugates, boosters, how fast different viruses change, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, the COVID spike, and what vaccines can and can't do.
Dr. Lewicki Vaccine Series
Check yourself
Why does your body fight off a germ faster the second time?
Show the answer
Memory cells. After the first meeting with a germ, or a vaccine's practice run, memory B and T cells stay for years. The next time they see that antigen, they launch a fast, strong response, often before you ever feel sick.
Key terms
how vaccines work
vaccines
immune system
antigen
antibodies
B cells
T cells
memory cells
immune memory
mRNA vaccine
toxoid
conjugate vaccine
booster shot
herd immunity
Standards it supports
MS-LS1-3The body is a system of interacting subsystems made of groups of cells.
NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards.
Lesson pack
Coming soon for this song: a lyric sheet, fill-in-the-blanks, vocabulary, a quiz and an exit ticket.
