Students at VHECH to learn about human body outside of the classroom

Students at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights will spend a couple weeks learning about the human body outside the classroom this month, as part of a community program offered by a local hospital.

The BodyTrek program, facilitated by Children’s of Alabama, is a mobile unit that travels to schools within 55 miles of the hospital. The mobile unit will be at VHECH Sept. 11-21 and is an interactive exhibit designed to teach students about the human body. Students will go through a series of exhibits and simulations as they learn about the body and how to make healthy choices throughout their lives.

The mobile unit is a partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield and Children’s, according to the program’s website. Interactive exhibits include heart, lungs, skin, nutrition, senses, brain, hygiene and injury prevention.

“Children deserve a healthy start,” the program’s website says. “Through BodyTrek, they will experience an exciting journey through the human mind, body and senses that can provide information they may use for the rest of their lives.”

Dr. Alicia Hunsberger, principle of VHECH, said the exhibit is a great way for students from kindergarten through fifth grade to learn about their body. While BodyTrek has been featured at other Vestavia schools, this is the first time it will come to VHECH.

Ten volunteers will man the unit every day for that time, and Hunsberger said BodyTrek helps supplement the teaching they already benefit from in the classroom.

“It’s just an addition to the great teaching and learning they’re already getting,” Hunsberger said.