Submitted by HSE Schools
Students at Fishers Junior High aren’t just learning about science, they’re living it.
Last week, science teacher Deborah Kletch has transformed the media center at Fishers Junior High School into a fully immersive hospital simulation, where students take on the roles of medical professionals to diagnose patients, run lab tests, and develop treatment plans.
Throughout the experience, students collaborate in teams to analyze symptoms, conduct research, and confirm diagnoses. In a surgical practice area, they apply precision and teamwork to perform simulated procedures, mirroring real-world medical environments.
“This project gives students the opportunity to think and act like real healthcare providers,” Kletch said. “They’re not just learning content; they’re using critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills in a way that makes the learning feel real and meaningful.”
The simulation is designed to introduce students to the medical field while reinforcing key scientific concepts. Since launching “Kletch Medical Center” in 2017, Kletch has continued to expand the experience with new and engaging components each year. The current version of the FJH Hospital blends hands-on learning with collaboration, bringing concepts to life in ways traditional instruction cannot.
Kletch’s seventh-grade science classes spend an entire week immersed in the simulation. The experience is made possible through an innovation grant from the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation. The funding, Kletch says, helps cover the cost of new materials and resources needed to bring the hospital to life, allowing students to step into the roles of doctors, nurses, and lab technicians.
This project is one example of how HSE educators are bringing real-world learning to life, helping students explore future careers while building skills they will carry beyond the classroom.
Photos by Natalie Newlin