Introducing health and medical physics to young learners in preschool to fifth grade

Jessica M. Fagerstrom^1
1Northwest Medical Physics Center, Lynnwood, WA

Health Physics, 118, 1 (2020).

A hands-on learning activity was developed to introduce young learners to concepts and careers in health and medical physics. Inexpensive materials were used to create a work station with learning tools that were designed to be approachable and accessible for this audience. Visitors to a local independent, nonprofit science museum may interact with the activity work station to learn basic information regarding radiation in everyday life and to hear about careers in radiation sciences. Approximately 60 volunteer hours have been contributed associated with the activity. Interested physicists may adapt the lesson plan as a simple and straightforward way to participate in public education efforts in their own communities. A detailed lesson plan, equipment list, and electronic media are available upon request.