• Pieces of fabric, hats, and/or scarves for simple costume props
• Boxes of various sizes for set props

• Gather props for costumes or the set.

Form groups of three or four. Tell the group their task is to create a role play based on either the life of Elizabeth Blackwell as she struggles to overcome the obstacles she faced in becoming a doctor or another scenario where a person is faced with obstacles in their attempts to help others. Give the group ten minutes to come up with their role play scenarios. Encourage the groups to find a role for every member. Then, ask the groups to take turns presenting their role plays to the entire group.

After the role plays, invite group reflection with questions such as:

• What did the characters want to do to help others? What obstacles did they face?
• Were the obstacles they faced realistic? Was how they were dealt with realistic?
• What did the role plays show us about overcoming obstacles?

Some participants may feel more self-conscious than others when doing role plays or acting in a presentation before a group. Form teams that mix more reserved individuals with those who like to be the center of attention.