Parents'
Guide
Suggestions
for visiting BODY WORLDS 3 with a child
The
California Science Center welcomes both adults and
children to BODY WORLDS 3. However, this exhibit
may not be suitable for some children, and the Science
Center has determined that a responsible adult must
accompany all children under the age of 13. We ask
that you become familiar with the exhibit before deciding
whether or not to bring your child to BODY WORLDS
3,
and have prepared this information leaflet to assist
you. For more information please explore the BODY
WORLDS 3 section on this website, or contact
the staff.
YOU
WILL SEE REAL BODIES
BODY WORLDS 3 is an exhibition of real human bodies,
including graphic exhibits that show some nudity and
information on human reproduction as well as views of
the interior of human bodies. Human fetuses and embryos
are on display in a separate signed area within the exhibit.
The
bodies you will see have been preserved in a process
called “Plastination,” which involves infusing
the body’s tissues with plastic. The resulting
bodies are referred to as “Plastinates.” Plastination
is a very high quality preservation process that has
been used for many years, especially in medical schools.
WHAT'S
IT ALL ABOUT?
The exhibition is designed to teach us what our bodies
look like on the inside and how they function by using
real, preserved human bodies. BODY WORLDS 3 also
teaches us about human health, including how our bodies
break down when we smoke or don’t eat right. Plastinates
of the human body show details of movement, respiration,
reproduction, and the urinary, nervous and cardiovascular
systems.
THE
BODIES CAME FROM DONORS WHO WANTED US TO LEARN MORE
ABOUT THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF OUR BODIES
The real human bodies on display came from body donors,
individuals who during their lifetime said that upon
their death their bodies could be used for this educational
exhibition. After their death, their bodies were plastinated
(infused with plastic) to preserve them so that everyone
can learn from them.
WE
SUGGEST THAT YOU DISCUSS THE EXHIBIT WITH
YOUR CHILD
The California Science Center suggests that you discuss
the contents of the exhibit with your child 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 review the
exhibit brochure or explore the BODY
WORLDS 3 section on this website for more details.
