Zap! Surgery Beyond the Cutting Edge

Zap! Surgery Beyond the Cutting Edge is organized into five modules, each presenting a specific surgical technology: lasers, endoscopes, ultrasound, cryosurgery, and the Gamma Knife. Each module consists of three areas:

Explore It! prompts visitors to experiment with basic science principles, particularly the properties of energy.

Be the Surgeon encourages visitors to discover how the Explore It! science principles underlie the surgical technologies.

Real Stories / Real Surgery offers video clips of actual surgical procedures; human interest stories from patients, doctors, and scientists; and information on patient issues.

Twenty-four of the components in Zap! are organized according to this module system. Color-coding and signage identify each module and its three exhibit areas, thereby creating a visual connection among the various activities.

In addition to the five modules, Zap! features two supplementary components:

ZapCam is a fifteen-person, cabin simulator ride that offers an exciting, immersive experience for visitors. A pre-show video establishes the ride premise: visitors are going on the first manned test mission for ZapCam, a tiny remote-controlled camera that allows visitors to witness the featured surgical technologies from vantage points inside the body.

Zap Jr. is designed for families with children ages 5-8 and will encourage exploration and learning through play. Families can investigate the basics of human anatomy and medical technologies in a safe and secure environment.