American Experience

Science

1. Investigating the “Amerithrax” case.

Among the issues discussed in these interviews with experts on biological weapons is the deadly anthrax mailings of 2001, which killed five Americans. As a class, find out about this case and where the investigation currently stands.

You may want to assign different groups of students to research specific questions, such as: What were the mailings and to whom were they addressed? Who was injured or killed? What is known about the person(s) who sent the mailings? Is there a possible connection between these acts and the September 11 terrorist attacks? What steps have been taken to guard against similar attacks in the future?

Have each group report on its findings to the class. Then assemble the findings into two lists: what is known, and what is not known, about the case. Close by discussing your own theories about what sorts of persons or groups might have committed these crimes, and why.