Innovative STEAM Education through Plastinated Organs: A New Educational Resource

We are excited to announce the release of a comprehensive educational monograph that brings together cutting-edge resources to enhance STEM learning in secondary schools. The OrganKits Project offers a unique way to engage students with real anatomical specimens—plastinated organs—combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in a project-based learning environment.

This educational monograph, developed as part of the Erasmus+ programme, contains a complete set of Teacher Guides and Educational Guides aimed at educators and students. The guides cover six themed “OrganKits”: CardioHealth & Emotions, NeumoHealth & Environment, MentalHealth & Mindfulness, NutriHealth & Wellness, SportsHealth & Dependence, and ReproHealth & Gender. Each kit provides both teachers and students with detailed, discipline-specific activities that cover essential biological, technological, and engineering concepts.

Through the use of plastinated organs and digital resources, students gain a deep, hands-on understanding of human anatomy, health, and wellness. The materials encourage inquiry-driven tasks that not only teach biological concepts but also foster critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. For example, in the ReproHealth & Gender kit, students explore the reproductive system through 3D scanning techniques and prosthetic design, while integrating art, history, and mathematics into their studies.

These guides also feature practical recommendations for integrating OrganKits into school curricula, helping educators to adapt the activities to their specific classroom needs. With ready-to-use digital versions of the guides and a curated digital library, teachers can easily access and implement the resources in their teaching.

The OrganKits project is made possible through the collaboration of schools across Europe, including the University of Murcia’s Research Group in Educational Technology and several secondary schools in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. This collaborative effort emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary teaching and the use of innovative, real-world resources to enhance educational outcomes.

For more information and to access the educational resources, click here.