Meet the Physiologist: Free event for public and would-be young researchers
04 Nov 2010
University of Manchester scientists host a range of activities at MOSI on Saturday 6 November
University of Manchester scientists will present Meet the Physiologist – an exciting event to show the public how the heart, circulation system, lungs, blood and kidneys work and inspire would-be young researchers – at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) on Saturday (6 November).
Seven physiologists from the University’s Faculty of Life Sciences and Cardiovascular Research Group will host a range of activities to suit all ages, from dressing up boxes and colouring through to a real physiology experiment to demonstrate in an interesting and fun way what physiology is all about.
Visitors will learn how to measure their own pulse, make their own stethoscope, listen to their heart sounds, observe ECGs, make a model heart and dissect a pig heart. A live experiment will demonstrate how blood vessels constrict and dilate and how these processes can be affected by disease.
They will also find out how to measure lung function and investigate the relationship between height and lung capacity, activities complemented by models and x-rays of human lungs.
Interactive activities will enable the audience to visualise the body’s blood volume and learn about the different cell types that make up blood.
Visitors will learn about how the kidney controls blood volume, how hydration state affects the colour of urine and how dipsticks are used to measure glucose and protein levels in urine. Dissected pig kidneys will illustrate the tubular structure of the organ and how urine is formed.
In addition to structured activities, an area will be set aside for creative play. Simple pictures of organs will be provided for young children to colour in, while clay and play dough will allow them to construct models. Typical lab wear, with explanations of why and when they are used, will be available in a range of sizes for children to try on. Worksheets and quiz sheets will give older children a chance to explore the various stands to find the answers to their questions. Children will be rewarded with sweets, pens and assorted mementos on completion of the quiz and activities.
Meet the Physiologist at MOSI, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP, on Saturday 6 November, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Admission is free.
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