1.3. The OrganKits Educational Model – Concept and main characteristics

The OrganKits Educational Model introduces a groundbreaking teaching approach for Secondary Schools in the STEAM field, with the main goal of fostering active, inclusive, and interdisciplinary learning. At its core, the model leverages plastinated organs—real anatomical specimens preserved for safe, durable, and tactile manipulation—as unique teaching tools. While plastinates are commonly used in university anatomy departments worldwide, their use in Secondary Education remains scarce, making OrganKits an innovative educational resource.

The project combines plastinates with active learning methodologies, digital tools, and problem-based learning (PBL) strategies to engage students in meaningful exploration. Designed for learners aged 14–16, the activities are closely aligned with curricular content while also developing the Key Competences for Lifelong Learning defined by the European Union. This dual focus ensures that students not only acquire subject-specific knowledge but also strengthen essential transversal skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy.

A distinctive feature of OrganKits is its direct connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each of the six kits addresses relevant health-related and societal issues:

These kits cover topics such as cardiovascular health, nutrition, mental well-being, substance abuse, environmental care, and gender equality, thereby contributing to SDGs #3 (Good Health and Well-being), #4 (Quality Education), and others such as #5 (Gender Equality) and #15 (Life on Land).

Beyond content knowledge, OrganKits emphasize transversal competences. Students are encouraged to use digital resources (e.g., podcasts, videos, interactive tools), adopt environmentally sustainable practices, and develop awareness of social inclusion. The inclusive design of the model ensures that all learners—regardless of disability, fragility, or cultural background—can participate. For example, blind students can explore plastinates by touch, while simplified and body-oriented approaches are available for learners with different needs. Kits can even be used at home for students unable to attend school.

The pedagogical approach prioritizes student participation and collaboration. Through PBL, learners engage in real-world scientific investigations and creative tasks such as body painting, art contests, and experiments on organ function. These activities stimulate inquiry, promote problem solving, and connect science with everyday life. Evaluation is also adapted to this dynamic learning model: group presentations, collaborative projects, and team-based results are used to assess both knowledge and competences, ensuring that even students with special needs receive peer and tutor support.

Finally, the model integrates environmental and social awareness into its methodology. For instance, the “Neumohealth & Environment” kit links respiratory health with sustainability, encouraging students to study the effects of smoking, investigate sources of clean air, and draw parallels between lung structures and natural fractals.

In sum, the OrganKits Educational Model offers an innovative, inclusive, and competence-oriented framework for STEAM education. By combining plastinated organs, active methodologies, digital resources, and alignment with SDGs, it equips students with both scientific knowledge and essential lifelong skills, preparing them to make informed decisions, adopt healthier lifestyles, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society.