Springfield High School is at the cutting edge of science education, due to progressive science teacher Stephanie Mahoney and the introduction of a groundbreaking tool—the anatomage table. This advanced piece of technology is one of the most sophisticated, life-sized, 3D dissection tools available, and Mahoney is the only teacher in the building to have one in her classroom. The addition of the table has transformed the way students engage with complex concepts like anatomy and physiology, offering an immersive, interactive experience.
Mahoney explains, “The anatomage table is a lifesized digital table that can be used for virtual dissections and detailed examination of the human body. We’re using this technology in our biomedical science classes to bring textbook theory to life. As we study each system, students can explore it in real-time, virtually dissecting and investigating the human body as they would in a professional lab.”
Introduction of Advanced Technology Incorporating the table into the curriculum was made possible through grant funding. Mahoney, already a leader in STEM education through Project Lead the Way (PLTW), saw a unique opportunity to expand her students’ learning experiences. “I was fortunate to secure this table for my classroom,” Mahoney shares. “Over the last few years, I’ve continuously found more ways to incorporate the technology into the PLTW curriculum, allowing students to better understand the intricate systems of the human body.”
Transforming Science Learning
The table offers students an unprecedented level of interaction and detail. Mahoney describes the dramatic shift in engagement, “Traditionally, we’d use models, photos and animal dissections. But now, students can work with actual human bodies that have been digitized. When we study the heart, for example, they can watch blood flow through a digitized heart and even study real EKG rhythms, both normal and abnormal.”
Mahoney adds, “Students today are learning about kinesiology, observing how joints move and how muscles interact. It’s a hands-on, engaging experience that traditional methods can’t always replicate.”
Classroom Engagement and Learning Outcomes The anatomage table has transformed how students connect with material, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. Mahoney notes, “Students are able to see what the anatomy of the human body actually looks like and how these structures work together. It brings a level of realism that enhances their comprehension of complex systems like the heart or the musculoskeletal system.”
In a typical lesson, students might explore prepared activities on the table, including virtual tissue samples, muscle attachments and cadaver examinations. “For our muscle structure lesson, students will observe how muscles attach to bones, then recreate these muscles on models in the classroom. The table helps them visualize these processes and understand how the body works as a cohesive system,” she says.
Future Use and Expanding Capabilities Mahoney is committed to evolving the use of the anatomage table. “Each trimester, I aim to add one more activity to enhance our lessons. It’s time-intensive, especially with our lab-heavy curriculum, but the results are worth it. I come in early some days just to explore new ways to use the table,” she explains. “With each update to the system, there’s always something new to discover.”
Though challenges arise, particularly with time management and lesson planning, Mahoney’s passion for maximizing this resource is clear. “There are so many things on the table I have yet to explore, and each new update brings improvements that benefit our students.”
Student Reactions and Educator Growth
Student reactions to the anatomage table have been overwhelmingly positive. “They love it,” Mahoney says. “The opportunity to explore cadavers and anatomy in such a hands-on way excites them. Some students are less interested, but overall, this tool has made anatomy more accessible and engaging.”
For Mahoney, working with the anatomage table has been an invaluable professional growth opportunity. “This tool has helped me bring the subject to life. Seeing students connect what they’re learning to a real human body excites me as much as it does them. It’s pushed me to become more creative and enthusiastic in my teaching.”
As Springfield High School continues to foster hands-on, innovative learning environments, educators like Mahoney are leading the way, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge tools like the anatomage table. Through this technology, students are gaining real-world experiences that will shape their future careers in science and healthcare.
