Anatomy and Biology Field Trip

The Urbana High School anatomy and biology classes had a chance to experience a trip to the Body Worlds & the Brain exhibit and the St. Louis zoo on Thursday, September 29. At the Body Worlds exhibit, Urbana High School students were able to see how the body works in an up close and personal fashion: with real human bodies that were donated to science. After the exhibit, students enjoyed the rest of the day at the St Louis Zoo.

When asked what she thought about the Body World exhibit, Freshman Kelsey Philbeck said, ”The first thing you saw when you entered was the brain. It was cool but really disturbing.” There are mixed reactions about the brain, but they follow around the same path. Like Philbeck, many were disgusted but fascinated–which seems to be the main reaction given off. “It was creepy and weird,” said Freshman Alyssa Gambill. After the brain, students and teachers were able to see real bodies preserved to show certain muscle movements. It was all very fascinating. However, what seemed to move people the most was the baby exhibit.

Preserved babies at different stages of their life in the womb: from the egg being fertilized to the last couple of months of being in the womb were on display. This itself was a whole new experience. A few people cried and marveled at the wonder that is life. “It was very sad to think of the lives that didn’t get an opportunity. It made me feel sorry and made me think about my future and when I have kids one day,” said Freshman Sara Smith. It did provoke thoughts for many people. Seeing a body and how it works really does change the way you act towards your body and how you take care of yourself.

After the exhibit, the buses were reloaded and taken on the short ride that would take them to the St Louis Zoo. There, students had some of the Zoo’s pricey but satisfying food, then were able to roam the zoo in groups of at least three people. Excited, students roamed the park in search of answers to the worksheet that the biology classes were given. It was a great time to spend with friends and learn about animals. The zoo even had its own Build-a-Bear workshop. In there, students could, well, build a bear. Fun activities, beautiful and fascinating animals added fun to the trip. It ended all too soon, before anyone realized it was already time to go. Tired from a long day, students filed onto the buses for the over three-hour bus ride home.
The field trip seems to have been a success. Being both educational and fun. We learned new things we wouldn’t have learned in a classroom. We should be allowed to take more field trips like this one.

Let’s all thank the families and the brave people who donated their bodies to science, if it wasn’t for them this exhibit wouldn’t have been possible.