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Learning math and science has
been an exciting experience for hospital patients, thanks to a
partnership of Kids Invent! and Children’s Hospital Central California.
Activities stimulate the creative instincts of children to encourage
innovation by engaging them in 90-minute invention sessions in the Child
Life classroom. Some of the activities include Water Rockets, Rubber
Band Racers and Rocket Cars.
The Kids Invent! Program was developed as a collaborative effort between
Dr. Timothy Stearns and Dr. Ed Sobey in 1997. The program continues to
flourish under the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at
California State University, Fresno, and is now offered globally from
Malaysia to Saudi Arabia.
Kids Invent! has served more than 30 schools in the Central Valley in
the Fresno Unified, Madera Unified, Selma Unified, Parlier Unified and
Central Unified school districts.
“The patients at Children’s Hospital will learn through hands-on
experiments,” said Diane Phakonekham, program director for Kids Invent!
“Children design and build their own toys. Different kids can come each
time and we allow siblings who are visiting to get involved as well.
“Each session, patients take on new activities and discover new
inventions. It’s amazing to see them forget about their pain and eagerly
participate with other patients. Seeing the kids smile as the result of
an invention gives me, and I’m sure my staff, instant gratification,”
Phakonekham said.
“The program is unparalleled as it inspires kids to apply their
creativity and gain a life-long learning tool by discovering unique ways
to invent,” she said. “As a parent, I know how important it is for
children to enjoy activities. This helps with the healing process and
gives kids good memories of the hospital.”
For more information, contact Phakonekham at 559.347.3900 or Tori
Randolph at the Lyles Center at 559.347.3928.
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