FDA

Gr 9 Up—Perhaps no other Federal agency impacts the daily lives of America's families more than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). From its beginning as a scattering of small governmental offices in the Department of Agriculture in the late 1800s, the FDA grew in size and responsibility as the number of available products and services needing oversight also increased. This well-developed program traces the initial establishment of the agency as well as its expansion into the formidable consumer protection agency it has become. Its fascinating story is told utilizing a terrific blend of both still and film/video historical images (the snippets of the classic public service films of the 1940s through the 1960s are especially captivating) as well as personal commentary by and interviews with former FDA staffers. Individual researchers as well as classroom teachers will appreciate the chapter selection option, which is chronologically arranged in ten distinct segments. Four short FDA video programs are included as extras; a sketchy guidebook and lesson plan is available online. Viewers will be amazed by the remarkable scope of the agency's responsibilities in this highly recommended and effective presentation.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL