Educators & Parents
The Buffalo Museum of Science welcomes both adults and children to BODY WORLDS Vital. Over 36 million visitors, including children, have visited BODY WORLDS exhibitions around the world.
The primary educational goals of Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS Vital are centered on health science, human anatomy and physiology. Full body specimens, individual organs and body systems provide unparalleled insight into the structure of the human body. Comparisons of healthy and diseased organs, such as a lung from a smoker and non-smoker, highlight the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices.
The exhibition also conveys powerful lessons about the form, function and beauty of the human body and how everything works together. Students come to understand that people are as unique on the outside as they are on the inside, as each human body is distinctly different from every other. This differentiates the viewing of authentic specimens from text books, computer or physical models. Real is powerful, especially in this information age full of computer generated graphics.
The BODY WORLDS specimens are all donated for the express purpose of education and are preserved using Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ groundbreaking invention of Plastination. Plastination is a process that replaces the natural fluids in the body with fluid plastics. The use of plastics for preservation means that the specimens are odorless and completely dry. Plastination allows the bodies to be fixed into life-like poses, illustrating how our bodies are structured and how they function when performing everyday activities. Students will understand how the body works when it’s healthy and what happens when it breaks down.
BODY WORLDS is an exhibition of real human bodies, including exhibits that show some nudity, information on human reproduction, and views of the interior of human bodies.
The Buffalo Museum of Science suggests that you discuss the contents of the exhibit with your child or students before visiting. In particular, remind your child that the plastinates are no longer living. They were once real people, but they don’t look like everyday people now because we are looking at their insides. The bodies are placed in permanent poses and will not move. Please explore the exhibit section for more details.
CONTENT ADVISORY
BODY WORLDS at the Buffalo Museum of Science is geared for visitors 10 years and older. Although the Buffalo Museum of Science believes that the plastinates in the exhibit are arranged for maximum teaching value and tastefully posed, parents should use discretion when considering bringing young children. There are exposed male and female genitalia depicted in traditional anatomical teaching contexts. Additionally, some young children may find the display of real human bodies disconcerting without parental explanation.
EXHIBITION GUIDES FOR FAMILIES AND EDUCATORS FROM WWW.BODYWORLDS.COM
Family Guide
Student Guide
Educator's Guide (Grades 5-8)
Educator's Guide (Grades 9-12)
Student groups MUST purchase tickets in advance.
Click here for rates and ticket-purchasing information for student groups.
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