Release week Feb. 25, 2007: The First Female Physicians

Standards

• Social Studies: Students will read the newspaper for examples of women at work. Discuss any areas of equal or unequal gender involvement.
• Health: Students will question and listen to a female physician (or medical student).
• History: Students will report on a famous female doctor (or interview a local female doctor or medical student).

Activities

• Use the News: What other professions do women participate in? Read the newspaper for examples of women at work. Does there appear to be a career no women are involved in? Does it look like an equal distribution today?

• Gender stereotypes still exist in many professions. Female doctors and male nurses are finally becoming accepted roles in our society. Invite one or both of these individuals to share their experiences with the class. The school board, university, hospital, etc., could be contacted in order to invite them to your class. A low-key visit may be easier to arrange than a large presentation. Prepare several questions students can ask the guests about their work and decision to pursue their career.

• Choose a famous female physician or interview a local female physician (or medical student) to report on. Who is she? Why did she want to be a doctor? Where did she study? Does she have a specialty? Has she experienced any difficulties or rewards in being a female doctor?

World of Wonder meets many state educational standards. This guide helps teachers identify standards and related activities generally intended for grade 6, but teachers can modify activities to the appropriate grade level.