The Need

Traditional anatomy education often relies on passive learning methods that can limit student engagement, retention, and collaboration. Engineering students, in particular, may struggle to connect anatomical concepts to practical applications. There is a growing demand for innovative, active learning tools that foster deeper understanding, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in anatomy education, especially in interdisciplinary courses.

The Technology

This tool, developed by OSU Biomedical Engineering faculty member Dr. Rachel Childers, is a gamified puzzle box designed to teach and assess anatomy knowledge through interactive, collaborative gameplay. Students solve anatomy-based challenges using clues embedded on and within a physical box, which includes custom 3D-printed components and various lock mechanisms. The experience culminates in solving a coded anatomy question using a custom cypher and MATLAB interface, promoting critical thinking and group communication.

Benefits/Advantages

• Enhances engagement and retention through hands-on learning
• Promotes teamwork and communication in small groups
• Customizable for different anatomy topics and difficulty levels
• Integrates physical and digital elements for a unique learning experience