Step into the beating heart of science at Heart Camp, where students become scientists for the day! Exploring the wonders of cardiovascular health through real experiments, live demonstrations and immersive tech. From peering into live zebrafish hearts under the microscope to racing through the cardiovascular system in virtual reality, Heart Camp transforms classroom knowledge into labs and discovery.

Hosted by the Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research at La Trobe University, Heart Camp brings together researchers, and educators to deliver hands-on learning that's as memorable as it is meaningful. Students measure their own heart rates before and after exercise, perform diagnostic tests on patients and examine live zebrafish beating hearts. Experiences that spark questions, challenge assumptions and build lasting knowledge on heart health.

Each year, the program evolves. This year, we are focusing on better understanding on prevention and our heart health risk. High school students explore the biology of heart disease, meet researchers who share their personal journeys into STEM (many of which come from unconventional backgrounds) and choose their favourite organ to chat about.

By engaging students early, Heart Camp builds health literacy, inspires future scientists and empowers young people to lead heart-healthy lives. Starting with conversations at home that ripples out into the community.