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Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS)

Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) is an outreach program of Saint Louis University that combines hands-on programs, auditorium presentations and distance learning to bring lessons of anatomy and science to life for students across the country and the world.

Two students dissecting sheep brain at the AIMS workshop
AIMS students perform a sheep brain dissection.

AIMS is offering virtual field trips (distance learning programs) and other online human anatomy programs for the 2026-2027 school year, open to teachers and schools across the U.S. and Canada. Visit the distance learning page for more information.

AIMS is also offering on-site hands-on cadaver demonstrations and guided dissections of pig heart, sheep brains and pig eyes at our state-of-the-art lab facility on the SLU campus.

AIMS Mission Statement

Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) is a youth community outreach program that teaches human anatomy, medicine, health education and wellness to students, both at our University campus location and online with our distance learning programs. With a combination of hands-on opportunities and auditorium presentations, students get a unique look at the human body. The program offers a prevention component that provides valuable information to students regarding health risks and how to avoid medical traumas.

Since 1991, Adventures In Medicine and Science (AIMS) has provided anatomy, health and science education outreach to students in grade school through high school. The AIMS program is a component of Practical Anatomy and Surgical Education in Saint Louis University's School of Medicine Center for Anatomic Science and Education.

What We Do

The inquiry-based methods employed by the AIMS program faculty focus on activities that challenge students and stimulate experiential learning. The process of discovery used in the hands-on programs builds important science literacy skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork.

AIMS program includes:

  • Auditorium presentations
  • Cadaver demonstrations
  • Distance learning
  • Hands-on dissections of pig hearts, sheep brains, and cow eyes
  • Summer workshops

View our hands-on programs

Repeat Winners of the Pinnacle Award 

In 2025, AIMS was honored for the 17th consecutive school year with a Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration for distance learning programs.

This award, presented annually, is based on teacher evaluations submitted through the CILC website and recognizes outstanding performance by a content provider.

In addition, in 2020 AIMS distance learning won the first annual Pinnacle Hall of Fame Award. This award is presented to Content Providers who have been recognized for ten or more years of quality programming.

Make a Payment

Payments for distance learning, hands-on dissections and cadaver demonstrations and auditorium presentations may all be made online via Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards. 

Pay Your Bill

  1. AIMS requires an 80 percent deposit, due immediately upon receipt of your program confirmation and invoice. The 80 percent deposit secures your reservation. The remaining balance will be invoiced after your program.
  2. Failure to pay your 80 percent deposit within 60 days of your invoice date will result in the release of your reservation. You will receive one email reminder prior to the release of your reservation. Please reach out to the AIMS coordinator to make other arrangements if this policy will be an issue for your school/program.
  3. If the 80 percent is not paid immediately, and your reservation is still held beyond 60 days (upon request), you will be responsible for 100 percent of the students you registered for.
  4. We ask that you communicate any significant differences from your original student estimate no later than 30 days before your scheduled program so that we can ensure accurate staffing and specimen counts on the day of your program.
  5. No refund will be provided for amounts less than 80 percent of your initial total student registration.
  6. Cancellations 30 days or more before the scheduled program will receive a full refund.
  7. Cancellations made between 29 days and 14 days before the scheduled program will receive a refund, less a $100 nonrefundable deposit.
  8. Cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled program will receive a refund of 50 percent of your initial total student registration.