This learning unit guided students through the Explore–Execute–Enhance phases to understand how lab-grown organs are developed using bio-inspired principles from nature. Students explored natural regeneration and stem cell biology, applied this knowledge through AR-supported activities, and deepened their understanding of the complexity of growing a functional human heart. The use of Augmented Reality tools, particularly Delightex Edu, made abstract biological and technological concepts more accessible and engaging. By connecting regenerative medicine with real-world medical challenges, the unit encourages students to reflect on both the possibilities and limitations of organ printing and to continue exploring future innovations in biomedical science.

Phase Description
Explore

- Research and Discovery: Students investigate how living organisms naturally regenerate tissues and how these biological processes inspire regenerative medicine. They explore the role of stem cells, tissue formation, and the complexity of human organs, focusing on why the heart is particularly challenging to recreate.

- Content Development: Key concepts are introduced, including natural regeneration, stem cell differentiation, tissue organization, bio-inspiration, and the principles of 3D bioprinting. Scientific explanations are supported by examples from nature and current biomedical research.

- Needs Analysis: Students’ prior knowledge of basic biology (cells, tissues, organs) and general understanding of health and medicine is identified through guiding questions and discussion. This ensures appropriate scaffolding for learners aged 14–18.
Execute


- Curriculum Implementation: Students apply theoretical knowledge through bio-inspired, hands-on activities that demonstrate how cells form tissues and why organs function as complex systems. The focus is on understanding processes rather than technical laboratory procedures.

- Interactive Exercises: 

Using Delightex Edu, students interact with AR models of stem cells, heart anatomy, blood vessel networks, and layered organ systems, exploring how biological structures function as integrated systems. They explore layered organ structures, compare biological growth with 3D printing, and complete decision-based scenarios related to lab-grown organs.

- Feedback Collection: Feedback Collection: Immediate visual feedback is provided through AR interactions. Learning is reinforced through group discussion, teacher-guided reflection, and peer feedback during and after the activities.
Enhance

- AR Integration: Augmented Reality is used to visualize biological structures and processes that cannot be directly observed in the classroom. Delightex Edu enables markerless AR exploration of cells, tissues, and organs, supporting inclusive and experiential learning.

- Interactive Learning: Students actively explore, manipulate, and analyze 3D models, encouraging inquiry-based learning and systems thinking. AR supports experimentation, comparison, and reflection on real-world biomedical challenges.

Gamified Content:

- Points and Badges: Students earn points for completing exploration tasks and receive badges such as Tissue Engineer or Future Doctor for achieving learning milestones.
- Leaderboards: Optional group-based leaderboards display collective progress, encouraging motivation while emphasizing collaboration rather than competition.
- Quests and Levels: Learning activities are structured as progressive quests, moving from cell-level exploration to organ-level understanding, with increasing complexity.
- Rewards for Exploration: Visual rewards and positive feedback are provided for thorough investigation and thoughtful decision-making within AR activities.
- Collaborative Gamified Tasks: Students work in small groups to analyze scenarios, discuss challenges, and agree on decisions related to lab-grown organs and ethical considerations.

AR-Based Assessments:  Students demonstrate understanding through interaction with AR models, completion of tasks, and explanation of biological and technological concepts. Assessment focuses on reasoning, application of knowledge, and reflection rather than memorization.