Some lucky Michigan 5th graders recently got to wear surgical scrubs and masks at school. They were working alongside medical staff from a local hospital who set up mock operating tables in school gyms as part of a program called Mini Med School.
Using bodies made from papier mâché, the medical professionals walked the students through various procedures and let students assist. Hospital staff explained CPR and brought real equipment, such as an ultrasound machine.
The hands-on experience was a chance to expose students to medical careers and give them an authentic learning experience, according to an article and video in The Daily News in Greenville, Mich. Students involved in the program are from the Baldwin Heights, Lincoln Heights, Cedar Crest, and Walnut Hills elementary schools in that community.
The program was the recipient this winter of an award from the Michigan Association of School Administrators, recognizing programs that achieve results and can be replicated in other districts.