The Scientist: Dr. Firdausi Qadri

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PARENT TEACHER GUIDE

The Scientist: Dr. Firdausi Qadri

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Country: Bangladesh

Ages: 8–10

Author:

Publisher: HerStory

Illustrator:

Story Source: Asia Foundation

About The Story

This real-life biography tells the story of Dr. Firdausi Qadri, an immunologist from Bangladesh whose childhood curiosity about germs led to groundbreaking vaccine research. Despite limited resources, gender biases, and professional hurdles, she persisted—helping develop affordable cholera and typhoid vaccines for vulnerable populations, including Rohingya refugees. Her work has not only saved lives but also inspired young scientists, especially girls, across the world.

Themes

Biography

Health & Wellbeing

STEAM

Sub Themes

Girls in Science

Public Health

Global Citizenship

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Children will internalize that science is not confined to labs—it is a tool for improving people’s lives. They will see that, regardless of gender or geography, scientists everywhere contribute to the greater good of humanity. From women breaking barriers in STEM to scientists in every corner of the world tackling local and global challenges, children will recognize that determination and curiosity shape a scientist’s journey.
Understand how science is used to solve real-world problems.
Appreciate the importance of perseverance and global responsibility.
Be inspired by a woman changemaker from South Asia.
Explore how public health initiatives are developed and shared.

Activities

1.Science Timeline: Draw Dr. Qadri’s journey from childhood curiosity to scientific recognition.
2. Design a Poster: “Girls Can Be Scientists Too!” with inspiration from Firdausi.
3. Lab-to-Life Activity: Trace the journey of a vaccine from research to distribution.
4. Interview Role-play: Students take turns playing Dr. Qadri and answering questions from classmates.
5. Research Challenge: Name and map other women scientists across Asia and what they are known for.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

Can you name a scientist? What do scientists do?
Show a world map—locate Bangladesh and talk about local health challenges like cholera.
Introduce the concept of vaccines and how they help keep people healthy.

During reading

What inspired Firdausi to become a scientist?
What problems did she face?
Why do you think she chose to return home instead of staying abroad?

After reading

What is the link between science and kindness in this story?
How do local scientists help solve local problems?
How can more girls be encouraged to enter science?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being

Her vaccine work directly improves public health, especially in underserved areas.

SDG 5 — Gender Equality

She is a pioneer for women in STEM, breaking stereotypes and mentoring others.

SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

She contributed to building scientific capacity and infrastructure in Bangladesh through her leadership at ideSHi and ICDDR,B.

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