LIVE…FROM THE HEART
Students learn about heart health through innovative education featuring a live broadcast of open-heart surgery.
Chicago students will get the chance to imagine themselves as cardiologists in training by participating in open-heart surgery thanks to a partnership between the Museum of Science and Industry and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. Live…From the Heart is a videoconference-based cardiovascular education program designed to offer students and teachers in grades 6-12 a dramatic exploration of the human heart.
The program includes the live broadcast of a low risk coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), pre- and post-visit classroom materials, Web content on www.livefromtheheart.org and a professional development institute for teachers.
The program is designed to bring their classroom learning to life and to help students understand their own heart and make better lifestyle choices to keep their heart healthy. Additionally, students have a fantastic opportunity to explore various careers in the health sciences through interaction with the entire surgical team.
Every Thursday, students visit the Museum of Science and Industry to view the live surgery via videoconferencing and interact in "real time" with the cardiovascular surgeon and the surgical team at Christ Medical Center. Other classrooms from around the country do the pre-work and join the program by using videoconferencing equipment.
During the surgery, students use an "investigation journal" to track questions and answers about the patients. Additionally, students engage in collaborative activities that illustrate key learning points in the surgery. For example, they learn the importance of the operating room's sterile field by testing bacteria levels on their hands before and after washing.
Prior to viewing the surgery, the Museum sends teachers a kit to help them prepare their students for the broadcast and to maximize the learning experience. The kit includes lesson plans for hands-on experiments that explore the learning goals. Teachers also are invited to attend a professional development program where they can learn how to facilitate the material and activities.
In conjunction with the Live…From the Heart program, an interactive Web site helps students, teachers and parents learn more about the program and healthy living. The Web site (www.livefromtheheart.org) includes profiles of the surgical team, information about what students can expect while viewing the open-heart surgery, and answers to frequently asked questions.
The technology-rich classroom, completely wired from the ceiling to the floor, is equipped with videoconferencing and networking capabilities that enable students to communicate with the surgical team during the entire surgery. The E-Suite was created for the Museum as a pro bono project by Skidmore Owings & Merrill.
Live…From the Heart is funded by the United States Department of Education's Star Schools grant and additional funding is provided by Ameritech.
Located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, just minutes from downtown Chicago, the Museum is open every day of the year except December 25. Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call (773) 684-1414 or visit our website at www.msichicago.org. Outside of the Chicago area, call 1 (800) GO-TO-MSI (1-800-468-6674).
###
Press Materials
Images
To save images, click on the thumbnail to open the full-size image in a new window. Then right-click on the full-size image and select 'Save Picture As' to save to your hard drive.
- Classroom
- Photo credit: Dirk Fletcher, Museum of Science and Industry
- Education
- Photo credit: Dirk Fletcher, Museum of Science and Industry
- Esuite
- Photo credit: Dirk Fletcher, Museum of Science and Industry
- Students 1
- Photo credit: Dirk Fletcher, Museum of Science and Industry
The images presented here are for the express use for promoting the Museum of Science and Industry. All images must be properly credited. Images may not be reproduced by third parties without express written permission from the Museum of Science and Industry.
- Museum Hours
-
- Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Open every day except Christmas Day
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
- Happening Now
-
-
Wired to Win
Go inside the science of surviving cycling's most grueling race.
-
Smart Home: Green + Wired
The "greenest home in Chicago" is back with more new eco-friendly technology for 2009.
-
Wild Ocean (limited run)
Swim with the sharks and other big game fish along the Wild Coast of South Africa.
-
- Coming Soon
-
-
White House: A Look Inside
Explore a meticulously detailed, large-scale replica of America's most famous landmark.
-
Explore the White City: World's Fair Simulation
Dr. Lisa Snyder presents a fascinating virtual simulation of the 1893 World's Fair.
-
Discoveries ... Member Travel: France
Members can explore culture, science and advanced technology in Paris and Toulouse.
-
Support Us
- Become a Member
It's fun, easy, and a great value to earn your "Degree" in science! It's an adventure you don't want to miss.
- Donate
Support from individuals, corporations and foundations help us fulfill our goal of inspiring all who visit.
- Volunteer
Be part of our history of fun by volunteering at the Museum of Science and Industry.