5 Exciting Ways to Teach Students About Skin Layers and Organ Anatomy

Skin, the largest organ of our body, is a robust and wondrous multi-layered system that has amazed scientists through decades. There are several complex and dynamic phenomena constantly in the works to make skin the awe-inspiring organ that it is.

Importantly, the knowledge of skin layers and anatomy is essential to many fields like dermatology, reconstructive surgery and forensic science. However, it is also imperative that educators develop more engaging ways to help students learn this complex subject. Here, we list five ways in which you can make skin layers and organ anatomy an exciting topic for your students.

1. Engage Students with Interactive Models

Personalized learning is all the rage because it allows for a flexible pace, resulting in increased engagement and improved retention. Interactive models are among the best ways to provide personalized learning to students.

Take Labster’s skin layers and organ anatomy simulation, for example. Our simulation is like a full-fledged anatomy and physiology lab condensed into 22 minutes of immersive learning. Through interactive videos and animation, the simulation teaches about:

·       Dermis, epidermis and the constituent cell types.

·       Structural components of dermis, like hair, nerves, blood capillaries, and oil and sweat glands.

·       Formation of skin layers through terminal differentiation of keratinocytes.

2. Make the Topic Fun with Games and Activities

Games and activities in education create a competitive environment in the classroom. This allows the students to think of creative ways to win a coveted reward or accomplish a challenging task. In doing so, they chart their own course to learning a topic in an enjoyable manner.

To teach skin layers and anatomy to your students in a fun way, you can:

·       Engage your students in skin layer puzzles, wherein they will assemble the different skin layers in the right order.

·       Give your students an ‘alternative physiology’ task, wherein they will discuss how skin physiology would change if the layers were to be arranged in a different order.

3. Infuse Technology into Lessons

Sophisticated technologies like virtual reality and simulation are powerful teaching tools, particularly in fields like biology and chemistry. These technologies can make cellular phenomena appear tangible and molecular structures feel tactile.

For example, Labster’s skin layers and organ anatomy virtual lab uses realistic animation to teach students the different types of cells that compose the five layers of our epidermis. Through self-controlled simulation, the students discover the features that define each layer of the skin. Our simulation also invites the students to accompany a keratinocyte on its transformative journey from stratum basale to stratum corneum.

Discover Labster's skin layers and organ anatomy virtual lab today!

4. Inspire Students Through Career Exploration

Encouraging your students to be career-oriented can also inspire them to learn a subject with interest and devotion. Thus, to make skin layers and organ anatomy exciting to learn in the classroom, discuss with your students the myriad professions that use this topic.

For example, tell your students how dermatologists use their knowledge of skin layers and anatomy to diagnose and treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis and skin cancers. Tell them how drug delivery experts must know this topic to design effective topical medications and transdermal patches. Discuss how healthcare professionals must apply their understanding of skin layers to assess wound severity and prescribe appropriate treatments plans.

5. Connect Topic to Real-World Applications

Discussing the real-world applications of a study topic can positively alter students’ perception of the subject. It can encourage them to learn the subject better and think about developing newer and more effective practical applications.

When covering skin layers and anatomy in the classroom, talk to your students about the real-world applications of this topic. For example, discuss how an understanding of skin layers is useful in crime scene analysis. Discuss the importance of understanding skin physiology for conducting toxicology and allergy testing of cosmetics and other topical chemicals. Talk about the indispensable role of this subject in reconstructive surgery of burn victims.

Final thoughts

The skin represents a vast diversity of cell types and structural elements crucial to our physiology. The five creative teaching methods we have listed here can help you teach your students about skin layers and organ anatomy in an exciting manner.