Another major component of NEI's Celebration of Vision Research is a school program for students in grades 4-8. The curriculum includes three lesson plans, fun and interactive classroom activities, and handouts. Classroom teachers or guest speakers can use it either with the exhibit or independently. Volunteers and faculty of the Jules Stein Eye Institute have used the school program in more than 63 classrooms, visiting more than 1,000 students. The program is strengthening our relationships with the community and has given us good media coverage.
Teachers also find the school program valuable.
The exhibit tells the story of how treatments have improved, and are continuing to improve, the quality of life for millions of people. It allows us to tell the story of the research mission of NEI and NIH to those across the country who may be largely unaware of our record of scientific and medical accomplishment.