EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Zap! Surgery Beyond the Cutting Edge presents a series of science concepts that demonstrates how different forms of energy are manipulated in surgical technologies to treat the human body.

• Visitors will learn about different forms of energy and mechanical systems and how they are applied in the development of high-tech instruments used in the latest surgical procedures.

• Visitors will understand the trend toward the increased precision of surgical instruments that is making surgery less invasive and therefore faster, safer, and easier on the body.

• Visitors will make personal connections with the technology by exploring the risks and benefits of different procedures as well as the associated career opportunities.

To encourage visitors to understand the applications of science principles in surgical technology, three scientific topics are repeated throughout the exhibit:

Energy

Energy is associated with electromagnetic waves (radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, gamma rays) and sound waves. Zap! introduces general principles of physics regarding these forms of energy and describes how they are applied in surgical technologies.

Instrument Design and Function

Zap! explores key factors in the design and function of surgical instruments and exposes some of the challenges of technological development.

Human Anatomy

Limited human anatomy is presented through the context of the surgical technologies. The interaction of energy with cells, tissues, and organs is the focus.

For information about the science standards and learning styles to which Zap! Surgery appeals, click here.