Help students model the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems by locating and labeling major organs on a ScienceWear Guts apron or T-shirt.
Shop the Guts Human Anatomy Project
Teacher Downloads
Use these resources to plan, introduce, and complete the Guts Human Anatomy project.
Guts Human Anatomy Plan Sheet
Student planning and assessment sheet for labeling organs and planning their design.
Download Plan SheetHuman Anatomy Plan Sheet Key
Completed reference key for teachers to use for correction and reteaching.
Download Answer KeyHow to Launch Guts in Your Classroom
These short walkthrough videos give an overview of how to prepare materials, introduce the project, and guide students through completion.
Human Anatomy Guts Wearable Science Project by ScienceWear
Guts T-shirt How-To: Using Fabric Paint
Teacher Directions
Consider creating and wearing your own Guts project when you introduce body systems and their functions. Your shirt or apron can serve as a "wearable anchor chart" as you teach the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Students are usually excited to learn that they will create their own Guts project as part of the unit.
Choose the Project Format
Students may complete the project on a ScienceWear T-shirt or apron.
Aprons work especially well when anatomy is taught earlier in the school year because students can continue using them as lab aprons.
T-shirts can be a fun culminating project later in the year and give students something they can wear and take home.
Teach the Unit First
The wearable project works well as an extension, review, or part of an assessment.
Once students understand the major organs, their functions, and how the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems interact, distribute the Guts Human Anatomy Plan Sheet.
Students can:
- Label the organs in pencil
- Identify the function of each organ
- Classify organs by body system
- Color the organs to plan their final design
Collect and review the completed plans before students begin working on their shirts or aprons. This provides an opportunity for correction, reteaching, and reassessment.
Creating the Guts Shirt or Apron
The project can usually be completed in two to three 45-minute class periods.
Supplies
- Completed student plan sheet
- ScienceWear Guts apron or T-shirt
- Extra-fine or fine black permanent marker
- Butcher paper, poster board, cardboard, or foam board
- Four jumbo paper clips or bulldog clips per student
- Fabric markers
- Optional anatomy quotes or clipart
Step 1: Prepare the Garment
Return the checked plan sheets to students for reference. Have students write their names in a designated area of the garment.
Place butcher paper, poster board, cardboard, or foam board inside or beneath the fabric to prevent marker bleed-through. Secure the fabric and backing with clips. For T-shirts, foam board can help keep the stretchy fabric smooth and easier to color.
Step 2: Color and Label
Students use fabric markers to color the organs. After coloring, use a fine-tip black permanent marker to label each organ. Optional quotes or clipart may also be added to personalize the project.
Step 3: Heat Set the Design
Follow the fabric-marker manufacturer's instructions for setting the design. For classroom use, heat setting with an iron should be handled by the teacher or another responsible adult. If the marker instructions allow heat setting in a clothes dryer, that may provide another option.
Optional Enrichment: Add Iridescent Fabric Paint
Students can add small amounts of iridescent or glitter fabric paint to highlight selected areas of their project.
Supplies
- Completed apron or T-shirt
- Backing board or paper
- Clips
- Cotton swab
- Small paint cup or foil square
- Iridescent fabric paint
Provide only a small amount of paint to each student. Students can dab paint onto selected areas of their project and allow it to dry completely.
Washing and Care
Wash the garment separately in cold water the first time and machine dry promptly. Always follow the care directions provided with the garment and the manufacturer's instructions for the markers or fabric paint used.
Completed Project Examples
Explore completed Guts projects for inspiration. Select an example to view its completed-project product page.
Looking for a Fun Culminating Activity?
Try Human Body Games & Challenges — a collection of body-system games that make a memorable end-of-unit celebration. Wearing your GUTS shirt is required for participation!
Explore Human Body Games & Challenges →
Ready to Order?
Bring the Guts Human Anatomy project to your classroom with ScienceWear pre-printed T-shirts and aprons.