Improvements in modern surgery
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can evaluate the impact of warfare and new technologies on modern surgery.
Key learning points
- New knowledge and methods improved the effectiveness of blood transfusions.
- Blood loss was no longer a major problem of surgery after 1945.
- The Thomas Splint and new methods of plastic surgery helped manage injuries during the World Wars.
- Technologies used before and after operations have reduced the impact of surgeries on patients.
- Technologies have made modern surgery less invasive.
Keywords
Invasive - in this context, medical treatments which involve cutting into the body
Transfusion - the process of adding an amount of blood to a person’s body
Clotting - the process in which blood changes into a solid state to form a thick mass or lump
Skin graft - an operation where skin is taken from one part of the body and used to replace damaged skin elsewhere
Prosthetic - an artificial body part, such as an arm, that replaces a missing part
Common misconception
Blood transfusions were common before the World Wars.
Blood transfusions were carried out in the 19th century but were not common until after the two World Wars in the 20th century.
Teacher tip
Task C can be completed as a debate by splitting a class into two groups: one which is arguing that technology was more important and one arguing warfare was more important. Pupils can then decide which criteria and evidence supports their argument best before debating one another.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Write the missing word. The term medicine refers to medical practices conducted by trained professionals, based on scientific methods and evidence.
Q2.Which practice uses X-rays to destroy cancer cells?
Q3.In which century did antibiotics first become available?
Q4.Which treatment involves the use of needles?
Q5.Other than pain and infection, what was the other major problem of surgery before 1800?
Q6.Starting with the earliest, sort the following developments into chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Write the missing word. is the process in which blood changes into a solid state to form a thick mass or lump.
Q2.Write the missing word. A is an artificial body part, such as an arm, that replaces a missing part.
Q3.What was used during WWI to identify where problems were inside patients bodies?
Q4.When were blood groups discovered?
Q5.Which statement is correct?
Q6.Identify the accurate benefits of robotic surgery.
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Improvements in modern surgery, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Improvements in modern surgery, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Britain: Health and the people - c1000 to the present day unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.