Google Body: Visualizing the Human Body

A common issue amongst AT students is that not all can learn by simply looking at pictures in a textbook, and not all educational programs can provide a gross anatomy course (which is indispensable, in my humble opinion).  Google has unveiled a new tool in which you can scroll almost 3 dimensionally throughout the body, and click on specific areas to reveal terms for the different systems in the body.  This is the best free tool I have found in some time for students to study...this can be a fantastic augmentation to your studies.  Enjoy!

http://bodybrowser.googlelabs.com/

Of note:  this works best with Google Chrome, which is easily downloadable if you don't already have a browser which supports the feature.  

Palpation Lab Activity

A frequent frustration for students can be to understand the purpose of palpation.  While at times it is taught as a way to identify anatomical structures, it must also be understood as a way to identify abnormal structures.  How many students could correctly identify a fascial bind?  What about a muscular "knot"?  Don't even get me started on a partial tear.  Here is a link to a fantastic article I read recently:
 http://nataej.org/5.4/0504-170175.pdf
Not only is it spot on, but it can make an otherwise drab lecture turn into a powerful teachable moment.  Essentially, each student completes various tasks including:
1.  Palpating a penny and describing it in a tactile fashion.
2.  Palpating bundled Twizzler candy with various deformations/abnormalities in it.
3.  Using their index fingers to compress a scale at specific pound intervals.
I tried this last week and the result was a resounding success.  Students loved it, and it took palpation to the next level for them.  Great article, great tool for educators.