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.

CNH Department Collaborators:

• Child Life & Integrative Care Services

• SZIPSI post-docs

• Biomedical Engineering

• Nursing Research

• Patient and Family Advisory Council 

• Seacrest Studios

Outside CNH:

• George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences student volunteers

• Knology

• Naomi Luban, MD – Principal Investigator

• Rachel Smilow, MA – Program Manager

• Lisa Bochey, MA – Program Lead

• Annika Hvide, MA – Program Coordinator

• Rachel Figueroa, MEd – Education Specialist