Life sciences are a fascinating field, and many children are entranced by the study of human anatomy – my six-year-old certainly is. However, the complex body systems, difficult to visualize positioning of organs within three-dimensions, and confusing terminology can make anatomy a difficult subject to master for children.
Rock ‘N Learn’s Human Body DVD is designed to make the study of anatomy, and the reviewing of key facts easy and fun. Designed for children in grades four through eight focuses on exploring the main body systems: skeletal, nervous, muscular, circulatory, urinary, respiratory, digestive, and an overview of the five senses.
The main portion of the DVD “Science Station” follows Kevin as Marko the talking pencil helps him study and review key facts about the human body in preparation for a test. The computer-animated models of various body systems are an incredible improvement on the flat, 2-D diagrams up using. Finally, children can easily picture the workings of the inner ear. A great deal of basic anatomical detail is covered in this 30-minute segment.
A “Practice Test” segment works students through four questions of a multiple choice sample exam (five minutes in length). The DVD’s characters reason through the questions aloud, providing a model for students to follow in their own thinking when facing standardized tests.
Along with a standard scene selection menu, a stand-alone of the “Alimentary Canal Song” which also appears in the main portion of the disc features words at the bottom of the screen. A bonus segment on the “Food Pyramid” is also included to provide basic information about a balanced diet. One of features I appreciated in the “Science Station” segment was an inclusion of health-related information and guidance there as well, expanding the versatility of this DVD beyond the realm of strict anatomy.
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