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UA+Ed Strategic Initiative: Bringing Science to Life: The Anatomage Table Opens New Possibilities at UAHS
November 2026 | Upper Arlington High School
What if students could explore the human body in extraordinary detail, perform a virtual dissection or examine how complex anatomical systems work together — all within their high school science classroom? At Upper Arlington High School, that kind of learning is now a reality.
Thanks to a significant $80,000+ investment from Upper Arlington Education Foundation donors, students and staff have an innovative learning tool that is unique even among colleges and medical schools. The Anatomage Table is an advanced interactive technology that brings anatomy to life through full-scale, three-dimensional virtual dissections and real-time manipulation of anatomical structures.
In January 2026, UAHS science teachers Ellie Clayborn, Bret Cuthbert, and Angela Bower submitted a grant proposal to purchase the table. Their goal was to create new opportunities for students to move beyond memorizing scientific concepts and toward a deeper, more meaningful understanding of how the body works.
Bringing the Anatomage Table to UAHS was a significant investment, but there was strong support for the vision from the start. With the district recognizing the potential of this innovative technology, UA+Ed was committed to finding the resources to make it happen. The project became a strategic fundraising initiative, with an emphasis on connecting with medical professionals and donors who could appreciate its potential to transform science education. Superintendent Dr. Bob Hunt was also an enthusiastic supporter, having seen the impact of an Anatomage Table in a previous district. The partnership between UA Schools and The Ohio State University Wexner Center Sports Medicine Department resulted in an early and significant show of support: a $20,000 lead gift that helped build momentum for the initiative. Marcus Williams, Director of Sports Medicine and Ambulatory Outreach explained why OSU wanted to invest in this opportunity for high schoolers.
We think about how we can provide strategic patronage — directing our resources in ways that will have the greatest impact for the partners we serve. This is a perfect example of something that brought together all of our interests, aligned with what we do and emphasizes continued development. It is aligned with our philosophy and is a functional investment. In high school, when students’ passions and curiosities are beginning to take shape, any opportunity we have to help them go deeper into those interests and stoke those fires is exactly what we want to do.
OSU’s generosity was soon joined by contributions from a variety of community members who shared the excitement about what this technology could make possible for Upper Arlington students. Together, their support turned an ambitious idea into a reality.
The Anatomage Table is essentially a life-sized, interactive digital anatomy table. Imagine an oversized iPad that allows students to explore the human body in remarkable 3D detail. Students can rotate, zoom in on and manipulate anatomical structures, virtually dissect specimens and examine how different systems work together. This hands-on approach supports a variety of learning styles, from visual learners who benefit from detailed 3D imagery to students who learn by actively exploring and experimenting. Simulations and case studies take the experience even further, encouraging students to think critically, make connections, and apply what they are learning.
Science Teacher, Angela Bower, has become the resident expert and “ambassador” of the Anatomage Table which is housed in her classroom. She explains, “The Anatomage table turns classroom experience into an interactive, hands-on, three-dimensional exploration of the human body in extraordinary detail.” As Ms. Bower is tracking the use of the Anatomage Table, it has become clear that the possibilities extend well beyond traditional anatomy lessons.
In just a few months, the Anatomage Table has already made an impact across a wide range of classrooms and programs at UAHS. Physiology students have explored the muscular and skeletal systems, while Biology students have examined biomolecules and digestive pathways. Marine Biology students have conducted virtual shark dissections, and UAHS Medical Club members have explored cardiovascular and neurological systems through interactive activities. Students in Health Occupations Students of America Club (HOSA) with an interest in NICU nursing have even examined fetal samples. The technology has also found an unexpected home in the arts: students in Designing with Materials studied histology (the study of tissues), using patterns found in tissue samples as inspiration for original batik designs. From science and healthcare to art and design, the Anatomage Table is demonstrating its versatility and creating meaningful opportunities for students to make connections across disciplines.
When junior Elizabeth G. approached Ms. Bower with an interest in exploring the table's forensic applications, that curiosity led to an independent study in which she used its Forensics Case Studies to examine gunshot wounds to the skull and humerus, creating an opportunity to pursue an area of personal interest through deeper, self-directed learning. Elizabeth told us that this opportunity has solidified her decision and desire to major in forensics in college.
During the District’s recent professional development day, Ms. Bower led three sessions introducing interested teachers to the Anatomage Table and its capabilities. Teachers had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the resource through an interactive lesson titled “Cadavers: Let’s Creatively Play on the Anatomage Table,” exploring the table’s nearly limitless potential. Ms. Bower shared that she is “most excited, over the next couple of years, to explore and implement creative applications of the Anatomage Table with colleagues to generate authentic experiences for our students.”
The Anatomage Table is a wonderful example of how UA+Ed is expanding the ways it creates impact in Upper Arlington Schools. While UA+Ed continues to fund innovative ideas through grants, we are now joining district leadership in creating high-impact initiatives that align with the district’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. By connecting donors and community partners directly to transformative projects, UA+Ed is helping bring larger-scale innovations to life creating meaningful opportunities for students today and strengthening our schools for the future. From the Anatomage Table to INCubatoredu and The Hope Garden, these strategic initiatives reflect UA+Ed’s commitment to turning promising ideas into reality and investing in opportunities that can make a lasting difference for students and staff.
