“Science Journeys,” a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA), engages a novel and unique audience of learners: children and families who are navigating hospitalization and complex care, an often stressful, high-intensity experience accompanied by loss of in-school instruction. Journeys partners with Child Life to serve in- and out-patients (bedside and in small groups)

The program uses experiential learning and hands-on STEM and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities to:

• Spark curiosity

• Build STEM identity

• Improve physical and mental health

• Support parent/family wellness

• Explore kids’ own health data

Activities include: robotics, systems of the body, and equipment in the hospital room, all lessons are aligned with Next Generation National Science Standards

CNH Department Collaborators:

•Child Life & Integrative Care Services

•SZIPSI post-docs and CNH biomed engineering

•Nursing Research

•Patient and Family Advisory Council 

•Seacrest Studios

Outside CNH:

•GWSMHS student volunteers

•Knology - external educational evaluator

•Naomi Luban, MD – Principal Investigator

•Rachel Smilow, MA – Program Manager

•Lisa Bochey, MA – Program Lead

•Annika Hvide, MA – Program Coordinator

•Nick Apato – Education Specialist