If you’re wondering, “What exactly are exhibition stations?” – don’t worry, that’s a totally normal reaction. After all, I’m the one who came up with the term “exhibition stations.” Allow me to introduce you to the concept of exhibition stations, explain how you can integrate them into your classroom, and shed light on why they’ve been dubbed exhibition stations. Once, I took my anatomy and physiology class on a field trip to the Bodies Exhibit, and let me tell you, it was an experience worth every bit of effort. The students got the chance to observe organs from an entirely different and more detailed perspective. The exhibit even showcased damaged lungs from smoking, as well as organs affected by various diseases, fetal development, and more.
To be candid, I was somewhat taken aback at first. However, the educational value we gained from being there far exceeded what any textbook could provide. That trip served as the catalyst for me to develop the body systems exhibition labs. While these labs could never fully replicate the immersive 3D encounter of the field trip, they offered a means for me to deconstruct each organ system into classroom-friendly stations. Whenever possible, I infused interactive elements into the stations. These encompassed activities like analyzing microscope slides, utilizing bone marrow from a local butcher shop, engaging in educational exercises involving lactic acid to explore the muscular system, and even simulating chemical digestion through cracker consumption.
In essence, these stations serve as comprehensive platforms for delving into the intricacies of body systems, all while requiring minimal setup and resources. Yet, it’s important to note that most of these stations convey information through text. The content is carefully structured to ensure students can comprehend and provide answers on their response sheets. While dissections are the ideal method to acquaint students with body systems, they may not be a feasible option for every classroom due to financial constraints, limited lab space, or scarcity of materials. While I couldn’t offer students the tangible experience, relying solely on textbooks felt quite constricting, and online activities varied immensely.
What I stumbled upon was that these stations synergize perfectly with dissections and other teaching models. An unanticipated benefit was that the stations are entirely student-driven. This dynamic allowed me to allocate time for organization or grading while the students wholeheartedly engaged with each station. Notably, the students remained enthusiastic and focused. Although I hadn’t initially anticipated this aspect, the opportunity to enjoy some moments of respite while students worked deepened my appreciation for the concept even further!
Here are five reasons why I’m absolutely thrilled about incorporating exhibition stations into my teaching:
- Remarkable outcomes can be achieved with minimal resources.
- Exhibition stations promote student-led learning experiences.
- The versatility of these stations is truly remarkable – they can be applied to nearly any topic. While the initial inspiration came from the Bodies Exhibit, I’ve extended their application to subjects such as organic compounds, cells, and microbiology.
- Based on feedback, students eagerly request more opportunities to engage with these stations!
- The beauty of these stations lies in their adaptability. You can personalize them by integrating additional materials you might possess. For instance, you could introduce a plastic skeleton for stations focused on the skeletal system or incorporate any relevant model for various body systems. Whether it’s an electronic muscle stimulator for the muscular system, available microscope slides, preserved specimens, and beyond – the potential for enjoyable and educational exploration is limitless!
