Project Heart: Activities for the Classroom is a website focused on teaching the basics of the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular health to elementary school children. As part of the Texas Heart Institute’s Heart Information Center, Project Heart extends the community outreach mission to educators by offering comprehensive curriculum materials for grades K through 6.
Each curriculum consists of complete lesson plans supplemented by classroom activity masters and extensive multimedia resources in Watch, Listen, Play, and Learn sections. Lesson plans developed for Project Heart are based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS); however, the curriculum materials are suitable for any learning environment. Each grade level builds on the lessons and skills of the previous one and each one includes age-appropriate lessons in cardiovascular anatomy, nutrition, and exercise for a healthy heart.
The Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative and progressive programs in research, education, and improved patient care. Project Heart is designed to help teachers incorporate heart-smart concepts into the elementary curriculum and to help students make heart-healthy life choices.
Feedback on the Project Heart website is welcomed and visitors can help the project grow by submitting lesson plan ideas. Contributors are acknowledged as part of the team.
Contributors
Education Liaison
Lee Christian
Conroe Independent School District
Mike Marsh
Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District
Cindy Leins, RN
Goose Creek Independent School District
Karin Wallace
Karen Smithson
Katy Independent School District
Alison Duncan
Christina Monroe
Molly Tatko
Tim Mueller
Klein Independent School District
Sandy Darst
Pasadena Independent School District
Darlene L. Marzouk
Spring Branch Independent School District
Karen Harrell
Theresa Trevino
Waller Independent School District
Danica Kenjura
Brian Merrell
