Seven men and five women who were clearly first in their respective fields are portrayed both as fallible human beings and as the dedicated scientists that they clearly were.
A short sketch of Hippocrates and his Hippocratic Oath introduces this distinguished group. Next, readers will learn of Edward Jenner, who unlocked the secrets of the dreaded small pox and its prevention. The story of Florence Nightingale describes how she led the way to today's clean and safe hospitals. There's Elizabeth Blackwell and her struggle to become the first woman doctor in the United States. And Jonas Salk, who fearlessly tried his unproven vaccine on himself and his family. And Alice Hamilton, who convinced factory owners and supervisors that they were poisoning their workers with lead and other toxins.
Additional activity worksheets provide vocabulary and comprehension enrichment using idioms, code breaking, configurations, categories, fact vs. opinion, and many more.
5th/6th grade reading level; interest level extends to adults.