2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Teaching kits for bioengineering have become pivotal tools in STEM education, providing students with hands-on experiences that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications. These kits typically include laboratory or demonstration equipment, modified equipment that is used in industry, purpose-built teaching equipment and DIY at-home components that allow students to experiment with and explore bioengineering concepts. The contents of the kits may extend to documents and information related to linking content to the curriculum and implementing it in the classroom. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, evaluates the current landscape of bioengineering teaching kits used at the undergraduate level, with a primary focus on introductory biology, bioinstrumentation, and basic mechanical and electrical engineering concepts. The motivation for this review is to compare kits and generate a list of requirements for a successful kit for those who wish to design them in the future.

The review defines teaching kit as any standalone manipulative or demonstrative apparatus sued for the purpose of teaching and learning. It examines a range of kits, assessing their pedagogical value and accessibility. These kits serve as a method of introducing bioengineering concepts students beyond the lecture hall.

Candidate papers were sourced from peer-reviewed literature, educational reports, and product documentation on both commercial and open-source kits. Particular attention is paid to the role of kits in enhancing conceptual understanding through practical applications in lab settings and at home.

Challenges such as cost, inclusivity, and accessibility in under-resourced educational settings are highlighted as well as instructor skill and available time. The review identifies gaps in the current market and offers recommendations for developing more comprehensive, scalable, and accessible teaching kits that address the needs of bioengineering education.