Cape Fear Museum receives grant for ‘Health Matters’ program

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Museum just received a grant for their new “Health Matters” program, which will help create a field trip for fifth graders to learn more about health and the human body.

South East Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC) and New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation provided the nearly $10,000 grant.

During the three-part field trip, students will experience “Grossology and You,” a full-dome digital video exploring the inner workings of the humane immune, repsiratory, and digestive systems.

Fifth graders will also participate in a heart muscle fitness challenge, examine anatomical models and learn the flow of the blood through the human body using a large-scale heart model. They will also learn about heart function and find out why physical activity is important for good heart health.

According to a news release from the museum, education staff worked with a committee of volunteers from education and medical fields to develop the 90-minute program that meets NC Essential Science Standards.

Beginning in May, Cape Fear Museum will pilot the new program, offering free field trips to Alderman, Anderson, Rachel Freeman, Gregory and Snipes elementary schools.

“We are grateful to SEAHEC and the hospital’s Foundation for their committed partnership that enables us to educate students in our community about their health. This project is sustainable over time and we look forward to extending this field trip to more schools next year,” said Museum Director Sheryl Mays.