1
30-35 min
Blood & Bone Marrow in Human Biology
Explore the science of hematology, including blood stem cells, bone marrow function, and the biology of transplantation.
Start LessonHigh School
Public Health, Ethics & Civic Leadership
Engage with the science, ethics, and civic dimensions of blood and bone marrow donation. Develop critical thinking skills around public health and community responsibility. Aligned with Washington RCW 28A.210.430, which encourages high schools to offer this instruction beginning in 2025-26.
Unit Overview
Public Health, Ethics & Civic Leadership is designed for high school students and supports the Washington State guidance on blood and bone marrow donation awareness instruction that districts are encouraged to offer beginning in 2025-26.
Students will explore:
- The biology of blood stem cells and transplantation
- High-level genetics of HLA matching and its implications
- Health disparities in donor matching and systemic factors
- Ethical frameworks for voluntary donation and informed consent
- Civic leadership and advocacy in public health
Important: This curriculum is educational. It does not instruct students how to donate or encourage any specific action. Donation decisions are made by eligible adults through their own informed choice.
Lessons
2
30-35 min
How Matching Works: HLA & Genetics
Understand the high-level genetics of HLA matching and why finding compatible donors can be challenging.
Start Lesson3
30-35 min
Health Disparities & Donor Diversity
Examine systemic factors contributing to disparities in donor matching and explore public health approaches to equity.
Start Lesson4
30-35 min
Advocacy, Ethics & Leadership
Engage with ethical frameworks around donation, informed consent, and civic responsibility while developing advocacy skills.
Start LessonFor Teachers
Washington RCW 28A.210.430 Context
Washington RCW 28A.210.430 encourages school districts and charter schools serving grades 9-12 to offer instruction on bone marrow and blood donation awareness in at least one health class needed for graduation, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. This curriculum supports schools electing to offer that instruction, while maintaining educational neutrality.
Pedagogical Approach
- Socratic seminars for ethical discussions
- Data analysis and interpretation activities
- Structured debates on public health policy
- Reflection essays for personal synthesis
Important Boundaries
- Do not encourage students to register as donors (most are not yet eligible)
- Do not ask students to persuade family members
- Present information neutrally; let students form their own conclusions
- Respect that this is a sensitive topic for some families
For Families
Dear Families,
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Washington State encourages high schools to offer instruction on blood and bone marrow donation awareness (RCW 28A.210.430). This curriculum supports schools electing to offer that instruction.
Students will learn the science of blood and bone marrow, explore public health concepts, and discuss ethical frameworks around voluntary donation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and informed decision-making.
What this curriculum does NOT do:
- Instruct students how to register as donors
- Pressure students or families to take any action
- Collect any personal health information
Donation decisions are deeply personal and are made by eligible adults. This curriculum simply provides factual information and encourages thoughtful consideration.
Unit Vocabulary
A curated overview of terms used across the unit. Each lesson introduces additional vocabulary in context — see the individual lesson pages for the full term list.
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells
- Blood-forming stem cells in bone marrow that can develop into all types of blood cells.
- HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen)
- Proteins on cell surfaces used to match donors and recipients; highly variable across populations.
- Health Disparity
- A preventable difference in health outcomes or access to healthcare between population groups.
- Informed Consent
- The process of providing complete information so individuals can make autonomous, voluntary decisions.
- Public Health
- The science and practice of protecting and improving community health through organized efforts.
- Civic Responsibility
- The duties and obligations citizens have to their community and society.
Educational Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Blood and bone marrow donation eligibility is determined by medical professionals for adults only.
The Jada Bascom Foundation does not encourage minors to register as donors. This curriculum supports awareness and informed decision-making for current and future adults.