What is "In-A-Box"?

The goal of In-A-Box curricula is to encourage Explorations in Science and Health by rural students of Oregon. Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) have teamed up to create this program. In-A-Box brings science, health and career curricula into the classroom and gives students the opportunity to connect with local health care professionals.

Teachers (grades 4-8) choose from: Ear-in-a-Box, Eye-in-a- Box, and Brain-in-a-Box. Each box contains an assortment of films about science and health topics and careers, small group activities for students, hands-on, topic specific artifacts, and lesson extensions.

What is my role as the healthcare professional?

You are a vital part of the inspiration! You have an opportunity to share your story with students: what is your job (title, duties)? How did you decide to pursue this career? What did you have to do to accomplish your goals? What do you really like about it? Do you work with other health care providers?

The Boxes contain five (5) student activities. In one of these activities, the students take on roles of various health care providers to "treat" a given patient. Actual health care provider opinions are included in the Boxes. If your time permits, you are encouraged to participate in this activity with the students to offer your expertise or answer questions.

How do I participate?

If you would like to participate in this program in your local community, please contact Amy Nelson, AHEC-SW Education Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (541) 778-4239. Please indicate how often you would be available to speak (i.e. once a month, once a week), how much time you are able to commit on a single day (i.e. 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3-4 hours), and if certain days of the week are more convenient for you.