Project Related:

Educational Resources

  • Museum Exhibits

    Grade:
    Resource: museum exhibit

Investigate Health!

Grant Code: R25RR016287

Funding Years: 09/30/2003 - 08/31/2006

Institution: Museum of Life & Science

Department:

Address:
433 Murray Ave, Box 15190
Durham, NC, 27704

PI:
GRIFFITHS, ROY,
Phone: (919) 220-5429 EXT 369
Fax: (919) 220-5575
Email: roy.griffiths@ncmls.org

OTHER CONTACT:
PRATHER, SARAH,
Phone:
Fax:
Email: sarah.prather@ncmls.org

OTHER CONTACT:
CONNOR, TRACI,
Phone:
Fax:
Email: traci.connor@ncmls.org

URL: http://www.lifeandscience.org
Audience

General public, lower- and middle-grade students and care-givers

Subjects Addressed

Allergens, sun protection, stress reduction, hand washing, car seat safety, current health research, health research process, and nutrition

Project Description

The purpose of this project is to further an understanding of the science behind children-s health issues, and for visitors to discover that 1) preventative children-s health recommendations grow out of scientific investigations, and 2) individual choice has a significant impact on well being. The project goals are to: 1) develop inquiry-based, interactive exhibits and programs that explore the science behind familiar children-s health topics; 2) make connections between the exhibit activities and the underlying science; 3) develop a staffed laboratory where visitors conduct hands-on experiments; 4) present public programs that introduce the public to health care professionals; and, 5) provide a resource station where the dynamic nature and content of ever-changing health research is available.

Resources for Sharing

Lab activities and Evaluation results

Dissemination Strategies

Website and Exhibit plans made available to the field

Abstract

This project will partner The Museum with researchers from local health science organizations, including the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and Duke University Medical Center, to create an interactive exhibition and a series of monthly public programs. Investigate Health! will further understanding of children's health issues as visitors: 1) experiment with the science behind these issues, 2) discover that individual choice impacts well being, and 3) explore associated health science careers. The Investigate Health! project will produce a 2,100-square-foot resident exhibit containing hands-on manipulatives, interactive computer programs, a staffed laboratory area, and a resource center. The exhibition will be accessible to children and adults of diverse backgrounds and physical abilities. The 500-square-foot staffed laboratory area within the exhibit, called Health Lab, will give visitors opportunities to interact with Museum staff, health researchers, and teenage volunteers as they use scientific instruments for more in-depth explorations. A resource center within the resident exhibit will provide a comfortable place for visitors to research emerging health-related issues and gather information about accessing health care. The Health Investigator Series, monthly public programs cosponsored by the region's world-renowned medical schools and health research organizations, will bring scientists and health care professionals to speak directly to the public about the frontiers of research influencing children's health and the career opportunities available in their fields of expertise. Investigate Health! will reach more than two and a half million Museum visitors, local teachers, and teenage volunteers who will visit the resident exhibit during its life span (ideally, seven years) and take part in the enriching public presentations connected with it.

Keywords

science center/museum; children's health; general audience; interactive exhibits; facilitated lab experiments; resource center; public programs; youth partner program; researcher lecture series; health science careers

View the Poster as presented at the 2005
SEPA Program Director's Conference

View the Poster as presented at the 2006
SEPA Program Director's Conference

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