A Guide to Primary Resources for U.S. History : Test of Courage PBS: Test of Courage - The Making of a Firefighter (ITVS) This project website features the multicultural face of a modern-day fire department. One of the aspects touched upon is how women firefighters deal with the physical part of the training. (Secondary source and current event material). On the website, there is a link to "The Story," which introduces the characters in the documentary. Students can read the introduction, which addresses the gender issues in the firefighting profession, and make a prediction about who they think is most likely to fail and who they think is most likely to survive. The teacher might also want to show the excerpt from the documentary, which is available on "The Story" page. After students make their predictions, they can read the "Where are they now?" section to find the answers. On the website, there is a link to "Take the Test," which allows students to take a mini-firefighter exam. The test can be completed on the computer and includes excerpts from both the written and physical components. After students compare their answers to the correct answers, the teacher can begin a discussion on women firefighters: Do the students believe that women should be firefighters? Do the students see any potential problems with women as firefighters? Any potential strengths?

(a) analyzing the effects of increased participation of women in the work force;

Test of Courage
PBS: Test of Courage - The Making of a Firefighter (ITVS)

Description: This project website features the multicultural face of a modern-day fire department. One of the aspects touched upon is how women firefighters deal with the physical part of the training. (Secondary source and current event material).

Teaching Tips:

"Do Now" Suggestion

On the website, there is a link to "The Story," which introduces the characters in the documentary. Students can read the introduction, which addresses the gender issues in the firefighting profession, and make a prediction about who they think is most likely to fail and who they think is most likely to survive. The teacher might also want to show the excerpt from the documentary, which is available on "The Story" page. After students make their predictions, they can read the "Where are they now?" section to find the answers.

Suggestion for Using this Resource as Part of a Lesson

On the website, there is a link to "Take the Test," which allows students to take a mini-firefighter exam. The test can be completed on the computer and includes excerpts from both the written and physical components. After students compare their answers to the correct answers, the teacher can begin a discussion on women firefighters: Do the students believe that women should be firefighters? Do the students see any potential problems with women as firefighters? Any potential strengths?