Students of Medicine Involved in Local Education (SMILE Docs) is a UVM program that matches medical students with local elementary school

 classes to provide a fun learning experience. SMILE Docs visited Mater Christi School this week for a lesson about the heart and circulatory system.

Third graders learned about the structure and function of the heart. Using a heart model they looked at the chambers, valves and vessels of the heart and learned the pathway of blood through the body. Using stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters, students compared their hearts both at rest and after running in place. In another station, students discussed how to keep their hearts healthy. Human pathology specimens of blood, plasma, healthy vessels and vessels hardened with plaque were examined.

The interactive learning activities along with many fun facts made the lessons memorable for students. This is was a great collaboration between our community medical students and our third graders!

Ellen Ammirato, RN
School Nurse