2023 – 2024 Year in Review
Sensory Sundays at CuriOdyssey are a quarterly event designed for guests of all ages who are neurodivergent, have sensory sensitivities, and/or have a difficult time in large groups or museum settings. Guests can enjoy Animal Encounters, Pop-Up Exhibits, Science Activities at a reduced capacity.
Below is a comprehensive report on outcomes related to Instructional Designer impact enabled Chance to Excel funding:
An Instructional Designer, Lanipse Rosario, was hired in July 2023 to continue advancing equity and excellence in STEAM education both online and in person through curriculum development and assessment. The Instructional Designer has been a critical support for the development of new inclusion evaluation tools to be implemented in “Camp CuriOdyssey 2024”, has adapted the STEMCorps curriculum to be more inclusive, and has contributed to new processes related to inclusive exhibit graphic development.
Instructional Designer outcomes:
New inclusion evaluation tools to be implemented in Camp CuriOdyssey 2024
Instructional Designer worked with Inclusion Team to improve Camp Inclusion survey to include belonging metrics
Instructional Designer supported the general Inclusion Training for Summer 2024 Leaders in Training and worked with the Inclusion Team to create and support the role of Inclusion Leaders In Training; youth specifically trained to work with campers with identified needs and accommodations
General enhancement of Summer Camp evaluation
Adapted the STEMCorps curriculum to be more inclusive
Developed the STEMCorps Curriculum site that took our curriculum from one-pagers like this to interactive and engaging content that served both student and mentor
Significantly improved the STEMCorps Mentor Training for the 23-24SY including enhancements in training for diverse learners
Inclusive exhibit and web graphics development
Social Stories (pre-visit “What to Expect” slideshows) developed by Instructional Designer and Equity and Engagement Program Manager:
- IlluminOdyssey
- Sensory Sunday
- SMFCSD Special Education Classes – Program 1 Social Story; Program 2 Social Story
Instructional Designer and Equity and Engagement Program Manager reviewed and edited graphics content for Puzzling Perceptions, Kinetic Creations, and Garden Towers exhibits
Development of Camp Inclusion page on CuriOdyssey website
A message from Aragon Burlingham, Executive Director at CuriOdyssey:
On behalf of our staff, board of directors, volunteers, visitors and animals, please accept our heartfelt THANK YOU for the Foundation’s recent grant of $16,000 for our Sensory Sundays program.
As you know, inclusion and accessibility are of utmost importance to us and we look forward to implementing a new, low-cost fee structure that will broaden access to the program. The Foundation’s grant will help bridge the revenue gap that will result from this revised fee in FY25.
Sensory Sundays had more than 1,000 attendees in FY24. The public is clearly responding very positively to the new opportunity that CuriOdyssey is providing, one that allows our neurodivergent neighbors to participate in transformative STEM programming while accommodating their needs.
Again, please accept our sincere appreciation for your support of our work.