Dr. Jonas Salk - Solving Problems to Help Others
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
Updated: May 1
Grade Level: 3-5
Duration of Video: 3 minutes, 36 seconds
Themes:
Solving problems
Helping others
Responsibility
Perseverance
Using systems for change
Using knowledge for good
US history
Following the development of polio vaccines, children across the United States received oral doses on sugar cubes as part of public health efforts to protect communities from the disease. Source: CDC Public Health Image Library (PHIL), ID 29084.
Description:
Students learn about Dr. Jonas Salk, a scientist who helped stop polio by creating a vaccine. Through a short video, guided discussion, and role-play, students explore how identifying a problem, working persistently, and choosing to help others can make a difference. Salk was a Jewish American scientist whose identity and experiences shaped his life and commitment to helping others. Students will connect his work to their own lives by thinking about how they can help solve problems in their communities.
Lesson Plan:
🎯 OBJECTIVES (SWBAT)
Explain who Jonas Salk was and what he did
Identify a problem he helped solve
Describe how his work helped others
Apply problem-solving thinking to real-life situations
🧰 MATERIALS:
Video: Polio vaccine invention animated story for kids. The Jonas Salk Polio Vaccine Animated Adventure
Student Worksheet 1: Helping Others Like Dr. Jonas Salk (Printed for each student or digital copy)
Smart Board or computer to project video
Whiteboard
Pencils
Post-it notes
Drawing paper for each student
Markers or crayons
📋 LESSON FLOW
Hook
Teacher writes:
“How can one person help solve a big problem?”
Ask:
“What are some problems people face?”
“Can kids help solve problems too?”
Play Video
Teacher says:
“Today, we are learning about Dr. Jonas Salk, a Jewish American who invented the polio vaccine (medicine). The vaccine essentially wiped out this terrifying disease.”
Teacher asks before playing the video:
“As you watch this video about Dr. Jonas Salk, notice what problem did he solve and how did he help solve it?”
Play video: Polio vaccine invention animated story for kids. The Jonas Salk Polio Vaccine Animated Adventure
Teach & Discuss
Ask:
“Who was Dr. Jonas Salk?”
“What was the problem he worried about?”
“What did he do once he saw there was a problem?
“Who did his work help?”
Small Group Activity
Students work with seat partner to complete Student Worksheet 1: Helping Others Like Dr. Jonas Salk (Printed for each student or digital copy)
Reflection
Reunite the class and ask a few students to share their ideas.
Exit Ticket
Students respond on a Post-it note:
“One way I can help solve a problem in my school or community is…”
Students place their Post-it on a class display (bulletin board, chart paper, or wall) titled:
“We Are Problem Solvers.”
Extension Activity (Optional)
Design an invention:
Students imagine they are inventors like Dr. Jonas Salk.
They use drawing paper, pencils, markers, and/or crayons to:
Draw something (an invention) that could help people.
Write a short explanation of what problem it solves.
Students can share their ideas with the class.
Teacher note: Be sure to hang up these drawings on a bulletin board in the classroom.
© 2025-2026
All materials on this website are available for educational use under Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Educators may download and share the content with attribution, for non-commercial use and instructional purposes, and without modification. Embedding any materials within any website-whether educational, institutional, public, or private-is prohibited without prior written consent of Balanced Learning Resources. Unauthorized embedding or redistribution may violate copyright and licensing terms.
