Rescue EdVentures

In the world of medical education, teaching complex anatomical concepts can often be a challenging task, especially to students who have zero healthcare knowledge. To make learning more engaging and memorable for EMT students, I’ve developed a unique and fun activity using a familiar and beloved treat – gummy bears! In this blog post, we’ll explore the creative and educational experience of using gummy bears to teach topographical and directional terms to our future healthcare heroes.

Before the activity begins, students are handed a blank piece of paper with various topographical and directional terms written on it. These terms could range from “superior” and “inferior” to “anterior” and “posterior”, and includes the planes of the body. The real fun begins when the students are provided with a handful of gummy bears and a scalpel. Their mission is to position and cut the gummy bears to match the terms on their paper, effectively turning these sweet treats into anatomical structures.

This hands-on approach not only fosters creativity but also encourages students to think critically about spatial relationships within the human body. They have to consider the orientation of each gummy bear piece and how it relates to the anatomical terminology on their paper. As they work on their gummy bear “patients,” students gain a deeper understanding of the precise locations and orientations of various anatomical structures.

The gummy bear activity not only makes learning enjoyable but also encourages students to collaborate and problem-solve. They can experiment with different arrangements of gummy bear pieces, creating a fun and interactive learning environment. The activity allows them to put theory into practice and explore anatomical concepts in a unique and memorable way.

Once the activity is complete, there’s an additional bonus – students get to enjoy the gummy bears they’ve been working with. It’s a sweet reward for their hard work and creativity. Some may choose to savor the sugary fruits of their labor, while others might choose to keep their anatomical creations as quirky souvenirs of their educational journey.

Teaching healthcare students can be both challenging and rewarding. The gummy bear activity demonstrates that learning doesn’t have to be dry and uninspiring. By incorporating creativity and hands-on experiences into the curriculum, educators can inspire their students to think critically and develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts. So, the next time you reach for a gummy bear, remember that it might just be the key to unlocking the creative and inquisitive minds of our future EMTs and healthcare professionals.

Click this link to purchase and download this activity from my Etsy shop.