Careers in medicine and the ancient Greeks
In this lesson for grade six, students will learn about ancient Greek medicine and the Hippocratic Oath, and will research contemporary medical careers.
A lesson plan for grade 6 Social Studies
Provided by CareerStart
Learning outcomes
- Students will discover that ancient Greek cultures assisted with the development of many medical practices, including the Hippocratic Oath that continues to be pledged by doctors today.
- Students will compare the oath with their personal experiences with contemporary doctors, and will research the requirements for medical careers.
Teacher planning
Materials needed
- Paper
- Pencil
- Student handouts:
- The Hippocratic Oath
- Graphic organizer — one for each pair of students
- Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor — one for each pair of students (Note: If the Occupational Outlook Handbook is not available at your school media center or guidance office, please refer to the electronic version on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. This website is also a great tool for readers who would struggle with a handbook of this size.)
Time required for lesson
One class period
Procedure
- Conduct a discussion about ancient Greece and allow the students to discuss some things they have learned. (5 minutes) Share the following with the class:
Ancient Greek doctors practiced alone and were often ordered to treat patients free of charge. A large number of doctors traveled for business while others lived in one area. Ancient Greek doctors tried to gain the confidence of their patients and would give them as much information as possible about their conditions and treatments.
- Put students into pairs and give each pair a copy of the Hippocratic Oath. Read the oath aloud while the students follow along. (5 minutes)
- Have students recall some times they visited a doctor and share their experiences with their partners. (5 minutes)
- Instruct students to work in pairs, using the “Occupational Outlook Handbook” to research the many career opportunities in the medical world today. Each pair of students will use the results of their research to complete one graphic organizer. Students should be prepared to discuss their findings with the class. (30 minutes)
- Reconvene as a class and have students share what they’ve learned. (10 minutes)
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Social Studies (2003)
Grade 6
- Goal 13: The learner will describe the historic, economic, and cultural connections among North Carolina, the United States, South America, and Europe.
- Objective 13.02: Describe the diverse cultural connections that have influenced the development of language, art, music, and belief systems in North Carolina and the United States and assess their role in creating a changing cultural mosaic.
