What is Science Journeys?
“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 Services to serve in- and out-patients both 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 and 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.
Our Team
• Naomi Luban, MD – Principal Investigator
• Rachel Smilow, MA – Program Manager
• Lisa Bochey, MA – Program Lead
• Rachel Figueroa, MEd – Education Specialist
• Annika Hvide, MA – Program Coordinator
Our Collaborators
Inside Children’s National Hospital:
• Biomedical Engineering
• Child Life & Integrative Care Services
• Nursing Research
• Patient and Family Advisory Council
• Seacrest Studios
• SZIPSI Post-Docs
Outside Children’s National Hospital:
• George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Knology
Our Programming
• Family Learning Events (FLEs): Intended to stimulate curiosity and provide families and hospital visitors with educational materials and resources
• Bedside: One-on-one lesson to teach health and STEM concepts
• Small Group Sessions: Playroom activities to introduce health STEM concepts
• Seacrest Studios Broadcasts: Broadcast lessons and activities via Seacrest Studios during which patients can interact by calling the studio or attending a live broadcast
