During the ‘Landelijke Hartekind Dag’ on Saturday June 14th, a special day dedicated to children with heart conditions and their families - interactive and educational workshops brought science to life in a fun and accessible way.

An enthusiastic team of scientists and clinicians from across the Netherlands, provided workshops for children with a heart condition from age 6, all about the power of the human heart. Using simple materials like balloons and paper tubes, the children explored concepts such as blood pressure, heart valve function, and the unique sounds their hearts make. Under guidance of cardiologists and heart surgeons, they learned how to use a stethoscope to listen to their own heartbeat!

The aim of the workshop was to help children understand their own special hearts in a playful and engaging manner. While many of these children are particularly used to learning about their heart defects in preparation for medical treatments, this experience offered a refreshing and fun approach to understanding how the heart works.

Another highlight was a hands-on science experiment focused on zebrafish, guided by researchers of the OUTREACH consortium. This animal is known for its ability to regenerate heart cells. A parallel workshop focused sports and exercise for children with a heart condition and the advantages of wearable technology.

The Landelijke Hartekind Dag is organised annually by Stichting Hartekind at the Castle Groeneveld in Baarn. This was the first edition with educational workshops for children. Given the great success of the workshops, it will definitely not be the last time!

If you’re interested and want to learn more, visit www.hartekind.nl for all the details—or check out the aftermovie!

Photo: Sandra Stokmans Fotografie