STEM NOLA to Host “Heart & Circulatory System” STEM Saturday on October 10, 2026
Free, hands-on STEM experience will give K-12 students an opportunity to explore the human heart and circulatory system through real-world science and engineering
NEW ORLEANS, LA — STEM NOLA and Ochsner Health are excited to host STEM Saturday: Heart & Circulatory System Day on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the Milne Rec Center. This free, hands-on STEM experience invites K-12 students to explore the human heart and circulatory system through interactive activities, including the opportunity to dissect a real heart and build their own mechanical heart with guidance from physicians and healthcare professionals.
As part of STEM NOLA’s signature STEM Saturday series, Heart & Circulatory System Day transforms health science into an engaging, hands-on learning experience. Students will have the opportunity to examine the heart firsthand, investigate how the circulatory system works, and discover and apply STEM concepts. By connecting students directly with healthcare professionals, the event will give young people a closer look at the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind the human body and careers in healthcare and STEM.
“The human heart is an incredible example of engineering in action—it is constantly working, adapting, and keeping us moving,” said Dr. Calvin Mackie, founder and CEO of STEM NOLA. “When students have the opportunity to examine a real heart and then build a mechanical one of their own, they can see the connection between biology, engineering, and innovation in a way that goes far beyond a textbook. We want them to leave curious about how the human body works and inspired to imagine themselves as the doctors, scientists, engineers, and innovators who will shape the future of healthcare.”
Event Highlights:
- Dissect a Real Heart: Students will have the opportunity to examine and dissect a real heart while learning about its structure and function.
- Build a Mechanical Heart: Participants will design and build their own mechanical heart, applying STEM concepts through a hands-on engineering challenge.
- Learn from Healthcare Professionals: Physicians and healthcare professionals will guide students through the activities and help connect classroom concepts to real-world healthcare.
- STEM for the Littlest Learners: Through a partnership with Training Grounds, parents with children ages 0–4 can participate in hands-on STEM play and interactive activities designed specifically for young children.
A Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
STEM NOLA extends our appreciation to the organizations helping make this experience possible, including Ochsner Health, Entergy, NORD Commission, the City of New Orleans, the New Orleans City Council and our friends at the TD Jakes Foundation and Training Grounds.
The support from these organizations helps create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with STEM, discover new interests, and see themselves as the future leaders.
Registration:
Space is limited! Parents and guardians are encouraged to register their students early at https://registration.stemnola.com/ to secure their spot.
Volunteers Needed:
College students and STEM professionals are invited to volunteer and help inspire the next generation of innovators. Undergraduate college student volunteers receive a $50 stipend! To sign up as a volunteer, please visit https://stemnola.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1318934.
Event Details:
- Event: STEM Saturday: Heart & Circulatory System Day
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Milne Rec Center | 5420 Franklin Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122
- Cost: Free for K-12 students
About STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action:
Founded by Dr. Calvin Mackie, STEM NOLA is dedicated to exposing, engaging, and inspiring students in grades K-12 to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through hands-on programs and immersive learning experiences, STEM NOLA provides opportunities for students to build the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in STEM fields. STEM Global Action, the nationwide expansion of STEM NOLA, aims to bring these experiences to communities across the U.S. and help develop a diverse and skilled workforce for the future.
Media Contact:
Mia Augillard
Director of Communications
STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action
maugillard@stemnola.com