Why subscribe to TJEdOnline.com?

Studying the Human Body

by Rachel DeMille

I find that studying anatomy and systems of the body can be a great jumping-off point for so many interesting things!  Chemistry, physics, nutrition, exercise and the scientific method; cultural notions of beauty and health, and the superstitions of birthmarks and defects; the physics of the human voice and its relation to music; foreign language terms for body parts; historical development of natural sciences; invention and discovery that affect our health and longevity; poetry, music and visual arts that reflect on or portray the human body; etc.!

Here are some websites that I have used to teach and study anatomy:
(Of course, keep in mind that the study of anatomy is largely visual, and some children may find images too graphic or disturbing; be involved to make sure it is age and family-appropriate!)

• BBC Science and Nature--Human Body
• Anatomy Tutorials
• Making Sense of our Senses
• Inner Body
• BodyQuest
• The Virtual Body (disponible en espanol)
• Science Kits (including dissection specimens and tools--Eeeew! Cool!)

Here's an idea for an activity for any age:

Make a life-size puzzle of yourself
Here's what you'll need:

• a large piece of butcher paper, taped to floor
• crayons (or, if just you want a temporary version, use some sidewalk chalk on concrete outside!)
  
• package of colored construction paper
• scissors
• Optional: odds and ends of fabric, buttons, ric rac, yarn, and trim

First, lay your model down on the paper or ground and trace the outline. Next, use the scissors and construction paper to cut out and place internal organs (of appropriate colors--white for lungs, red for heart, brown for liver, pink for stomach, etc.) on the outline. Or, you can use copy paper or cardstock to overlay the skeletal system, or yarn for the nervous, lymphatic or circulatory systems.

You can decorate your model with hair and other features as desired. You can do this over and over again to show different systems. You can even do presentations showing what happens to an apple from the time it hits your tongue and teeth to the time it leaves as waste. Use your imagination!

-rd