UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Dream Big Studio
PITTSBURGH, PA – Today, Pittsburgh Water will captivate young patients at UPMC Children's Hospital with science experiments demonstrating water’s journey through the treatment process. As a guest presenter in the hospital’s independent TV and radio station – Dream Big Studio - Pittsburgh Water will highlight the organization’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the communities it serves using hands-on learning experiences that connect kids to water.
“We are pleased to engage with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and appreciate the opportunity to interact with their patients and staff through our educational programs,” said Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering. “By bringing water science directly to young patients, we hope to inspire curiosity, provide a joyful learning experience, and highlight the importance of water quality,” Pickering stated.
The unique resource of Dream Big Studio provides an excellent opportunity for a multi-sensory learning experience during which Pittsburgh Water’s Education and Outreach Associate can create connections between young patients and their drinking water in a space that is inspiring, inclusive, and exciting.
“Dream Big Studio…broadcast[s] child-friendly programming to patients admitted to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh…[that] promotes normalization and supports child development through shows that encourage peer interaction, play and creativity.” Said Kristin Hooper, Child Life Coordinator at Dream Big Studio. “Dream Big Studio is proud to collaborate with community organizations such as Pittsburgh Water to provide our patients with interactive STEM learning experiences. These opportunities meet the studio's therapeutic goals of providing education and improving cognitive skills for children during hospitalization.”
Interactive, Inclusive Experience
Within the Dream Big Studio, Pittsburgh Water will host a live science demonstration that will be streamed on the channel so all kids, in studio or in their rooms, can participate. The utility’s education and outreach staff will lead hands-on chemistry experiments with vivid visuals that make the science of water treatment and testing both understandable and entertaining.
Recognizing that some patients are in isolation, the utility prepared custom science kits complete with materials for a simple, safe experiment. These kits allow children to actively participate from their rooms, Patients can tune in to watch the live presentation and use the studio's call-in feature to interact with the instructor and ask questions in real-time.
There are many ways to learn with Pittsburgh Water! Watch A Water Drop’s Journey. This animated video helps viewers of all ages to discover the many steps of the water treatment process. This video and more resources are available on our Educational Resources page.
About Pittsburgh Water’s Scholastic Outreach Program
Pittsburgh Water’s Scholastic Outreach Program provides learning opportunities for inquisitive minds of all ages. Learning opportunities centered around water topics are available in many formats and for many venues, ranging from facilities like Children’s Hospital to community centers, libraries, schools, and event spaces.
Through scholastic outreach, Pittsburgh Water connects Pittsburgh’s youth to meaningful learning experiences that provide a direct connection to essential water services. For more information about Pittsburgh Water’s scholastic programs, please visit www.pgh2o.com/education. To request information or to schedule a workshop or presentation, community members are invited to complete the inquiry form available online.
