Students and teachers reaching for the STARS: a cadaveric exploration of anatomy

Area high school students and teachers had the opportunity to learn and teach human gross anatomy during an intensive workshop entitled Students and Teachers Anatomical Research Series (STARS) at Maryville University. Science teachers attended week one, which consisted of focused lectures on the anatomy of the thorax, abdomen, back, and upper and lower extremities, "hands‐on" cadaveric dissection, and development of lesson plans for use at home institutions. Week two involved putting into practice their new knowledge and teaching techniques. High school students spent this week performing traditional cadaveric dissection, as well as participating in either instructor assisted or self‐directed small group workstations using handouts, models and computer programs. Real world applicability of human anatomy was also incorporated. Daily assessment forms, end of course evaluations, and content testing of fourteen area high school students and two participating teachers demonstrated enthusiasm for the topics covered, an increased appreciation and understanding of the human body, and retention of the material covered at the end of the course. All teachers indicated that they learned information they would apply in their own courses and strongly felt that the workshop was an excellent opportunity for the university to generate an appreciation of anatomy and an excitement for learning at the high school level. Grant Funding Source American Association of Anatomists