Out-of-This-World Experience for Children at Edinburgh Hospital

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity Press releases

An image of a young Edinburgh Hospital patient with carer looking at an exhibit from Dynamic EarthYOUNG patients at an Edinburgh hospital have been given the chance to walk with dinosaurs and explore space, thanks to an exciting visit from Dynamic Earth.

Organised by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF), the team from the cutting-edge visitor attraction were welcomed into the hospital to provide a day of other-worldly activities for the children.

The patients were treated to a hands-on, interactive experience by simulating dinosaurs and the solar system within a virtual reality. The team also brought along dinosaur fossils, robot arms, model astronauts, meteorite samples and construction kits that allowed the kids to build and launch their own version of the Soyuz-FG rocket – the same one which took British astronaut Tim Peake to the International Space Station.

Conor Ellis, Science Engagement Officer at Dynamic Earth, said: “It was fantastic to take our resources and expertise into the hospital and meet children who may otherwise not be able to visit us.

“We had a great time engaging with the inspirational young people and their families, and we hope our visit left them feeling captivated and wanting to find out more about the world around them.

“The work SKFF does is exceptional and we are already looking for ways we can develop the partnership further in the future.”

The Sick Kids Friends Foundation supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh and has contributed over £3 million towards its move to a new, purpose-built home at Little France in 2018.

Fiona O’Sullivan, Arts Programme Manager at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “We’re very thankful to the team at Dynamic Earth for coming into the hospital to meet the children.

“It was a fascinating occasion for the patients and their families and gave them a fun and entertaining science experience.

“At SKFF, we exist to ensure children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness and that they have a more positive hospital experience. We provide enhanced facilities and cutting edge equipment and it is the generosity of those who get involved with us, like Dynamic Earth, which allows us to continue to do this.”

The Dynamic Earth team were also able to visit thanks to funding they received from the Robertson Trust to help expand the capabilities of its Community Learning Programme.

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