A hands‐on introduction to medical physics and radiation therapy for middle school students

Lesson plans were developed to present concepts of medical physics and radiation therapy to a middle school audience. These workshop learning units relied on hands‐on participation and collaboration within student groups to acquaint students with computed tomography simulation and treatment planning processes. These lesson plans were delivered at two different educational outreach programs targeted at student groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The lesson plans are scheduled to be delivered at a third program in the future. The activities were used to introduce occupations in medical physics and radiation therapy as possible career opportunities for students, and to generate enthusiasm for continuing STEM education. Lesson plans are available upon request for educators interested in exploring medical physics educational outreach activities in their communities.