Aorta see this! North Salem students get hands-on with hearts

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - "Who wants to hold a mouse heart?" called veterinarian Dr. Angela Silva, holding up a tiny red ball smaller than her fingertip.

Hands shot up around the table as students at Pequenakonck Elementary School eagerly volunteered for an unforgettable morning.

The hands-on experience culminated the heart unit of the Wit & Wisdom English Language Arts curriculum, which integrates diverse texts across subjects to build knowledge and skills. Building on last year's cardiologist visit, six parent volunteers from diverse medical fields led fourth-graders through interactive stations exploring how the heart works, sounds, and stays strong.

Students examined cow, deer, and mouse hearts with guidance from Silva, research scientist Jacquelynn Golobov, and anesthesiologist Dr. Alex Rusanov. Initial squeamishness quickly gave way to scientific curiosity.

"It feels weird and slimy. It looks kinda gross, but I'm glad that I get to see it, because now I finally know what it looks like in real life instead of in diagrams," said Francesca as she explored a cow heart's chambers. "It's so much more complicated-looking than when you read about it."

Silva explained how the heart's structure enables its vital function: "You can see all the fibers connecting the heart so that it can beat. All those fibers squeeze together."

Under the guidance of ob/gyn Dr. Laura Twist, students listened to each other's heartbeats with stethoscopes. At the nutrition station, registered dietitian Katrina Stechler and pediatric nurse Tami Bryson encouraged students to "eat a rainbow" of colorful fruits and vegetables, explaining how vitamins, minerals, and fiber protect their hearts.

Much like those cardiac fibers working in unison, the program demonstrated the power of community collaboration. "Their real-world experience brings both our ELA unit of study and science to life in a way that truly inspires our students," said teacher Jeanne Sullivan-Dobbs, who organized the program. "Each year's event has evolved to reflect the unique expertise of our presenters, creating a meaningful learning experience and a wonderful celebration of our school community working together."

Article courtesy of North Salem Central School District.