The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, it is our aim to explore conventional radiography and to give some thought to the science of x-ray and other radiation, with reference to medical uses. Secondly, it is our hope to investigate some biological effects of radiography. The reason for our concern of the latter is to raise the level of consciousness in dealing with the various types of radiological processes and adverse effects. Sometimes a lack of information is just as detrimental as too much information.
It is our hope to present our research in such a way as to improve attitudes about the medical use of radiography and to point out that the advancement made in medical technology is staggering. Much innovation and technical expertise have been devoted to the improvement of x-ray machine design and in the safety of its use.
Because approximately half of the entire population of the United States receives a radiological procedure each year, there is concern about the long-term effects of so much radiation. The possibility of radiation injury cannot be ignored and represents the risk that must be weighed against the benefit that occurs to society from the speed and accuracy of x-ray diagnostic techniques. We would be remiss if we did not point out that x-ray is one of the most powerful tools available in medicine to diagnose disease, but we must be aware of its biological effects.
The last twenty years have been unparalleled in medical history, but it is likely that by the twenty-first century, medicine will have changed human life. It is our duty as educators to inform students of the rapid changes in medicine that are taking place and to raise a career conscious level with students at an earlier age.
Our goal is to write a curriculum in radiography. The unit will be watered down to accommodate middle school students, grades six through eight. The unit will be introduced so that the science and math teachers can use a team teaching approach. There will be vocabulary, lesson plans, activities, and enrichment exercises for each objective as well as lists of related careers, and required education for each career. The paper will also include a list of speakers, reading list for teachers and students, resource materials and recommended field trips.
For the purpose of the unit we will have six specific short term objectives to develop; they are as follows:
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1. To introduce to students the background on radiography. (Medical Imaging)
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2. The use of radiography in our system.
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3. To enable students to relate in different aspects of radiography.
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4. To explain conventional radiography and tomography.
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5. To increase students’ level of awareness of the changing picture of health, especially as regards the use of new technical equipment, methodology and personnel.
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6. To introduce health related careers.
This unit will be set up as a challenge to youths. It will be designed to interest youths in health careers while providing them with information regarding health and radiography.
The students will learn the different parts of the body and its functions. They will be able to look at slides to see how different parts of the body look under radiography. Since the primary function of a radiographer is to aid doctors in the diagnosis of diseases, some slides of abnormal growth in the body will be viewed.
