Biology Class goes to Body World exhibit

Submitted by Allen Lewis

Malaspina University-College Parksville Qualicum Centre

Thirteen Parksville Biology 067 students braved the bad weather to see human cadavers on display at Science World’s BodyWorld-3:  The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies in Vancouver, Nov. 30.

Adult Basic Education Biology instructor Allen Lewis and Parksville Qualicum Centre Campus Services Clerk Eva Chestnut took the budding biologist to the popular exhibit to give the students an even better perspective on the human anatomy.

Before going, the students watched a DVD sent to them by Science World to learn about the process of plastination of specimens. The Body World exhibit features 200 authentic human specimens preserved using the extraordinary method of plastination.

 “Anatomy labs cannot offer the same kind of educational experience as this exhibit,” said Lewis. 

“There is meticulous work involved in providing an artistic context, all the while remaining respectful of those who bequeathed their bodies to science… It was interesting to watch the students as they saw, for the first time, cadavers in all sorts of poses.”

Biology 067 is an ABE course which provides students with an extensive overview of human anatomy and physiology. It is an important prerequisite for all students pursing programs in Health and Human Services or the Resource Management Officer program.

The field trip was sponsored by Malaspina’s ABE program. In addition to the funding, Lewis and his students would like to thank Malaspina University-College. It was an educational experience the students will remember for a very long time.  He would also like to thank Tony Bellavia and Gord Buzzard for very generously giving the 'green' light, and to Bob Katzko for logistical support, and to Eva, for all her organizational help.