The Japanese Medical Society of America (JMSA) hosted the Kids Life Science Forum on Sunday, April 26, as part of the JAA 18th Sakura Health Fair. The event was supported by JAA, Arclev, MIKIHOUSE, the Westchester Children’s Museum, and Keio Academy of New York. It took place at JAA Hall on W. 45th Street. Dr. Ayako Kawatake-Kuno (a PhD candidate at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) and Ms. Nina Harano (a PhD candidate at New York University) were the main co-organizers of the event, with support from Dr. Maki Kano-Lueckerath (President of JMSA), Dr. Sei Higuchi (JMSA Board Member), and Dr. Keiichi Ito (JMSA Member).

The mission of this event is to spark children’s interest in STEM, medicine, and science through playful activities. The event included two sessions, each attended by 25 children aged 4 to 10. Participating children rotated through seven interactive stations focused on medical and scientific topics. Five students from Keio Academy of New York volunteered to support the event.

This year, the majority of the stations were renewed. The Westchester Children’s Museum provided three stations where children learned about plants and biomes, DNA structure, and the human cardiovascular system by making their own biomes in small pots, creating DNA models with pipe cleaners and beads, and replicating cardiovascular systems using red and blue strings.

Dr. Okochi, Dr. Sawai, and Dr. Kano-Lueckerath organized a station where children experienced demonstrations using a laparoscope and a stethoscope. Dr. Kosaki organized a station to teach children how to move their bodies properly and also gave lectures to guardians about maintaining correct posture.

MIKIHOUSE hosted a booth where children could experience the size of a newborn baby and compare their foot sizes. They also offered gifts, including a lunch box and a bandanna, to participating children.

Through these interactive activities, children were encouraged to try new things and explore STEM. We hope to continue and expand this event in the future.