Dear John,
It was good getting to know you during the institute and to have the opportunity to discuss this curriculum project with you. The project seems very well-conceptualized. I particularly like the way these days will move your students from general philosophical questions (the individual and the state, responsibility and freedom) into very concrete specific cases in a historical era when Americans really did debate those questions in a sustained and meaningful way.
Given your focus for the unit, I do think the Jacobson and Buck cases (edited down for high school students) are ideal primary sources. Buck really shows the consequences of taking the Jacobson logic to its farthest extreme. The short Foner piece that I circulated to the Pursuing Justice seminar might be helpful as background (it is written for a general audience).
One possibility for a culminating assignment might be to organize your students into teams and have them prepare for a debate on the compulsory vaccination issue -- pro or con. I find that in my own classes, the case generates lively debates.
I'm sure you will hear from Geoff about his expectations for further developing the proposal. But I like the framework you've provided here very much.
Keep in touch!
Michael