Plastinated organs as an innovative teaching tool in biology of secondary schools

Abstract

Biology is a core subject of the curriculum in secondary education which requires the use of realistic resources to understand the anatomy of living organisms. In addition to fresh organs from butcheries, specimens submerged in formaline or alcohol, or anatomical models are the most commonly used resources. However, all of them have limitations related with the anatomical realism, the commodity of handling or potential toxicity. Plastinated organs are real and permanently preserved specimens, which are completely free of toxicity and can be used at any moment or location without particular precautions. While the use of plastinated materials is quite common in departments of anatomy of Medical or Veterinarian Schools, no previous reports have been found with regards to their use in secondary education. In this work we are presenting a project of transference of innovative materials aimed at integrating the use of plastinated organs in the practical sessions of Biology in secondary education. The project involved the participation of the teachers and among the activities, a direct interaction of the students with the plastinated materials was scheduled. Practices of circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems were carried out with the content of the so called “suitcases of organs”. Those kits were shared among the schools to assure that all the students had access to the same materials for the same period of time. The results demonstrated high motivation and engagement of the teachers in all the activities of the project. Besides, both teachers and students showed very high satisfaction levels with the use of the plastinated organs. This project might serve for the progressive dissemination of the plastinated materials in secondary and high schools.