If you want to experience the ultimate science lesson in a way that is truly engaging and fascinating, "Bodies . . . The Exhibition" is the place to go.
At first, I was a bit nervous about what might be waiting for me around every corner of the exhibit. But once in the rooms, there's only wonder. One display has the skeleton of a man holding hands with his own muscle. It shows the delicacy and intricacy of what we think of as a simple action. Educational blurbs explain what's happening, which was how I found out the muscle belonged to the man.
Another display shows a man playing tennis. At first, it looks like the other displays, but it has some things labeled that others do not. For example, the appendix actually appears to be sticking out from the intestine, and the liver is right below the heart. A display with veins and arteries says the valves of our heart actually cause the thumping, as opposed to blood pumping through your body.
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In yet another room, a display shows what a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can see when it splits the human body into slices that show muscle, bone and any diseases that might be hiding out.
There are also parts of each room that show diseases. For example, in the area discussing the lungs and respiratory system, there are also lungs that had cancer and a bin where people can drop their cigarettes and tobacco.
Another display shows bleeding inside a brain.
Although the original shock value of "Bodies: The Exhibition" is pretty intense, the actual educational value of it is more than overpowering. It would be perfect for a trip with a classroom, a trip with the family or just something to go view with friends.
It is at 300 E. Congress St. at the Rialto building, and will be open here in Tucson until Sept. 12.
JOIN THE PROGRAM
The Arizona Daily Star partners with Bear Essential News and KVOA-TV, Channel 4, to promote literacy through journalism.
Students in grades three through eight can join the free program. Go online to www.bearessentialnews.com and click on "Young Reporters" to print sign-up forms.
Tickets
"Bodies . . . The Exhibition" runs through Sept. 12 at The Rialto Building, 300 E. Congress St. $22, with discounts for children and seniors. More info at bodiestucson.com or get tickets at 1-888-263-4379. Additional charges apply to phone purchases.
