Our 3rd Half-Term virtual session covered the Science of Health & Medicine. During the visit we learnt about what traditional objects people believed would cure them from illness and disease such as Amulets, famous doctors and nurses including the inspirational Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale, and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.
We saw how these determined women struggled unflinchingly over decades to follow their dreams and break down racial and sexist discrimination in medicine.
During this presentation one of our Young Activists stated: “If I had been born 150 years ago, I would not have been allowed to become a doctor. But now, thanks to Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, I can follow my dream and if I study hard, I can become a doctor!”
We also saw exhibits demonstrating how science and technology have helped people who have lost hands, arms and feet including inventions such as the affordable Jaipur Foot in India (invented by Pramaad Sethi, a surgeon, and Ram Sharma, a craftsman), and the Myoelectric Hand.
The home learning we suggested included research on ancient medical instruments in different parts of the world, prosthetics and research on Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.