Saint Louis University鈥檚 Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) program teaches distance-learning programs through a high-definition video conferencing system.
About Our Program
AIMS instructor Ray Vollmer has more than 20 years of experience in distance education, and can work with teachers to emphasize specific topics in anatomy or medicine. We can connect with students in the classroom, at home, or in hybrid classes. Through the AIMS video conferencing connection via Zoom; we can connect with students doing e-learning at home as well.
The AIMS Virtual Anatomy Classroom provides hands-on interactive field trips designed to enhance any science curriculum.
These hour-long distance learning programs introduce students to the wonders of the human body in a way that is difficult to duplicate in the classroom. Using a combination of high-definition cameras, human organ specimens and, in select presentations, human cadaver specimens, our presenters lead students through an interactive discussion of human anatomy, pathology and wellness.
All program requests must be made at least four weeks in advance of the date you wish to schedule and must be scheduled based on Central Standard Time (CST).
Available Virtual Field Trips/Distance-Learning Programs
AIMS instructor Ray Vollmer is teaching programs online using video conferencing programs that allow students at home to log in and see human cadavers and specimens using our high-definition camera system. We have video conferencing options available if students are in the classroom or doing e-learning at home. Please see below for a list of topics.
Fee: $285 per program
Grade level: High school and middle school
Program length: 60 minutes
This is a guided pig eye dissection for middle and high school students presented by a physician, medical or graduate student. Students observe and dissect in pairs as they compare the pig eye to the human eye. The primary focus is the anatomy, physiology and function of the structures of the eye. Eye diseases and disorders are also discussed.
Curriculum Guide for Eye/Pig Eye Dissection
The following topics will be covered:
- Review of the basic structure and function of the eye using plastic models, diagrams and specimens
- Structure of the eyeball
- Vision
- Dissection of an eye
- Common disorders or conditions of the eye and treatments
The demonstration meets the following standards:
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 9 through 12
- Content Standard: K-12 unifying concepts and processes: Systems order and organization; Evidence, models and explanation; Form and function
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal and community health
- Content Standard C, Life science: Matter, energy and organization of living systems
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 5 through 8
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
- Content Standard C, Life science: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal health
Show Me Standards: Science and Health/Physical Education
- Science 3. Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
- Health/Physical Education 1. Structures of, functions of and relationships among human body systems
- Health/Physical Education 2. Principles and practices of physical and mental health
- Health/Physical Education 3. Diseases and methods for prevention, treatment and control
- Health/Physical Education 5. Methods used to assess health, reduce risk factors and avoid high risk behaviors
Fee: $285 per program
Grade level: High school and middle school
Program length: 60 minutes
A discussion of the human nervous system presented by a physician, medical or graduate student using human cadaver specimens to demonstrate nervous system anatomy and physiology. Pathological specimens will be shown to illustrate various clinical problems including meningiomas, hydrocephalus and stroke.
The following topics will be covered:
- Review of the basic structure of the brain using plastic models, specimens or diagrams
- The location of the brain and its three main parts
- Neurons
- Discussion of the anatomy of the brain and nervous system using human brain specimens
- The four lobes of the brain
- The two types of brain tissue
- Discussion of neurological disorders and treatments
Curriculum Guide for Anatomy of the Human Brain
The demonstration meets the following standards:
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 9 through 12
- Content Standard: K-12 unifying concepts and processes: Systems order and organization; Evidence, models and explanation; Form and function
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal and community health
- Content Standard C, Life science: Matter, energy and organization of living systems
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 5 through 8
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
- Content Standard C, Life science: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal health
Show Me Standards: Science and Health/Physical Education
- Science 3. Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
- Health/Physical Education 1. Structures of, functions of and relationships among human body systems
- Health/Physical Education 2. Principles and practices of physical and mental health
- Health/Physical Education 3. Diseases and methods for prevention, treatment and control
- Health/Physical Education 5. Methods used to assess health, reduce risk factors and avoid high-risk behaviors.
Fee: $285 per program
Grade level: High school and middle school
Program length: 60 minutes
A demonstration of a variety of human hearts tailored to meet students鈥� needs and educational levels. Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology are taught by a physician, medical or graduate student. Pathological material, including hearts with pacemakers, bypass grafts, valve replacements, hypertensive changes and documented myocardial infarcts, are used to illustrate these and other clinical problems.
The following topics will be covered:
- Blood, cellular and fluid components
- Coverings of the heart
- Gross structures of the heart and its chambers
- Major blood vessels
- Circulatory pathways and changes induced by pathology
- Basics of cardiac physiology including the conducting system, cardiac cycle, heart sounds, murmurs and post-surgical complications
Curriculum Guide for Anatomy of the Human Heart
The demonstration meets the following standards:
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 9 through 12
- Content Standard: K-12 unifying concepts and processes: Systems order and organization; Evidence, models and explanation; Form and function
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal and community health
- Content Standard C, Life science: Matter, energy and organization of living systems
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 5 through 8
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
- Content Standard C, Life science: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal health
Show Me Standards: Science and Health/Physical Education
- Science 3. Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
- Health/Physical Education 1. Structures of, functions of and relationships among human body systems
- Health/Physical Education 2.Principles and practices of physical and mental health
- Health/Physical Education 3. Diseases and methods for prevention, treatment and control
- Health/Physical Education 5. Methods used to assess health, reduce risk factors and avoid high-risk behaviors
Fee: $285 per program
Grade level: Middle school and high school
Program length: 60 minutes
This guided pig heart dissection for middle and high school students is presented by a physician, medical or graduate student. A professional facilitator utilizes human specimens to explore anatomy and pathology prior to a guided dissection of organs. Students observe and dissect in pairs as they compare the pig heart to the human heart. The primary focus is on the anatomy and flow of blood through the heart.
Curriculum Guide for Pig Heart Dissection
The demonstration meets the following standards:
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 9 through 12
- Content Standard: K-12 unifying concepts and processes: Systems order and organization; Evidence, models and explanation; Form and function
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives; Personal and community health
- Content Standard C, Life science: Matter, energy and organization of living systems
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 5 through 8
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
- Content Standard C, Life science: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal health
Show Me Standards (Science and Health/Physical Education)
- Science 3. Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
- Health/Physical Education 1. Structures of, functions of and relationships among human body systems
Fee: $285 per program
Grade level: Middle school and high school
Program length: 60 minutes
This guided sheep brain dissection for middle and high school students is presented by a physician, medical or graduate student. A professional facilitator utilizes human specimens to explore anatomy and pathology prior to a guided dissection of organs. Students observe and dissect in pairs as they compare the sheep brain to the human brain. The primary focus is on the anatomy of the brain.
Curriculum Guide for Sheep Brain Dissection
The demonstration meets the following standards:
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 9 through 12
- Content Standard: K-12 unifying concepts and processes: Systems order and organization; Evidence, models and explanation; Form and function
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal and community health
- Content Standard C, Life science: Matter, energy and organization of living systems
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 5 through 8
- Content Standard A, Science as inquiry
- Content Standard C, Life Science: Structure and function in living systems; Diversity and adaptations of organisms
- Content Standard F, Science in personal and social perspectives: Personal health
Show Me Standards: Science and Health/Physical Education
- Science 3. Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
- Health/Physical Education 1. Structures of, functions of and relationships among human body systems
Distance Learning Cadaver Demonstrations
Fee: $285 per program
Grade level: Grades 9 through 12 only
Program Length: 60 minutes
Students participate in an interactive human cadaver demonstration that will outline the most common sports injuries of the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle. Basic principles of injury management are also discussed.
The musculoskeletal system consists of muscles, bones and connective tissue. During physical activity, these components work in unison to move the body. Injury to the components of this system can often result in a limited range of motion or pain during movement. Muscle strengthening, stretching and proper technique can help to reduce the incidence of sports-related injury.
The demonstration meets the following standards:
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 9 through 12
- Systems order and organization
- Personal and community health
- Form and function
- Matter, energy and organization of living systems
- Evidence, models and explanation
Show Me Standards: Science, and Health/Physical Education
- Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
- Properties and principles of matter and energy
- Structures of, functions of, and relationships among human body systems
- Principles of movement and physical fitness
- Diseases and methods for prevention, treatment and control
Fee: $285 per program
Grade Level: Grades 9 through 12 only
Program Length: 60 minutes
The forensic autopsy is of paramount importance when investigating a suspicious death. Objectivity and meticulousness in evidence-gathering are essential to the process. A solid understanding of human physiology, as well as the processes that occur postmortem, is also invaluable in this type of investigation.
Students will participate in an interactive human cadaver demonstration using video conferencing. The program will discuss the basic procedure of a forensic autopsy, during which the principles of objectivity, scientific method and evidence gathering will be outlined.
Forensic Autopsy Cadaver Program Curriculum Guide
**This cadaver demonstration is intended for forensic or criminal justice classes only. Anatomy classes should register for the general cadaver demonstration.
The demonstration meets the following standards:
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 9 through 12
- Systems order and organization
- Personal and community health
- Form and function
- Matter, energy and organization of living systems
- Evidence, models and explanation
Show Me Standards: Science and Health/Physical Education
- Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
- Properties and principles of matter and energy
- Structures of, functions of and relationships among human body systems
- Principles of movement and physical fitness
- Methods used to assess health, reduce risk factors and avoid high-risk behaviors (such as violence, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use)
- Diseases and methods for prevention, treatment and control
Fee: $285 per program
Grade level: High school juniors and seniors only
Program length: 60 minutes
Students participate in interactive human cadaver demonstrations through a state-of-the-art high-definition videoconferencing system. Cadaver demonstrations feature the physiological and anatomic relationships of the major organ systems of the body and how those organ systems can relate to various human diseases.
General Cadaver Demonstration Curriculum Guide
The demonstration meets the following standards:
National Science Education Content Standards for Grades 9 through 12
- Systems order and organization
- Personal and community health
- Form and function
- Matter, energy and organization of living systems
- Evidence, models and explanation
Show Me Standards: Science, and Health/Physical Education
- Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
- Properties and principles of matter and energy
- Structures of, functions of, and relationships among human body systems
- Principles of movement and physical fitness
- Methods used to assess health, reduce risk factors, and avoid high risk behaviors (such as violence, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use)
- Diseases and methods for prevention, treatment and control
Technical Specifications
AIMS is able to connect with schools using internet-based links, preferably Zoom.
Please contact Ray Vollmer with questions or to set up a test call.
If there are issues with your video conferencing connection on the day of your program, contact the AIMS Distance Learning Laboratory at 314-977-7399.