Based on the hit BBC children’s series, the Operation Ouch! exhibition at the Manchester Science and Industry Museum brings to reality an interactive, accessible experience of the human body.
Presenters Dr Chris, Dr Xand and Dr Ronx guide visitors through the processes occurring daily inside us, in a fun, family-friendly way.
Participants enter the mouth into a colourful room with a large model of the teeth. There, you can learn about the role of the tongue, teeth and taste buds in the digestive process with a whole host of engaging screens and games.
After, you enter the oesophagus, where you can read more “Did you know?” facts. Although primarily targeted at children, the information displayed is engaging for adults as well.
For instance, two bits of information in this part of the exhibition include why the organ is called the oesophagus and how the sphincters operate within it.
From here, the three doctors explain the function of the stomach, describing what happens with bacteria and enzymes.
The explanation of villi and borborygmi in the small intestine is another testament of the careful thought process behind making a children’s exhibition also interesting for adults.
The appendix is another room placed well, allowing a break with bean bags and colourful lights, as well as information, for those children who require some quiet, sensory time away from the interactive nature of the rest of the exhibition.
The accessibility of the Operation Ouch! display is one of the main features which makes it fantastic.
This part of the exhibition comes just before the main highlight … poo!
The large intestine room, the organ responsible for faeces, has a board describing the perfect poo, as well as an explanation of why we fart. Dr Chris, Xand and Ronx detail the process in a jovial but informative manner, perfect for children.
Some of the interactive elements include guessing the shape and the colour of animal poo, highlighting the link to the food you eat, as well as a ‘poo hat’ which is available to wear on the way out.
From here you can find the entrance to the lab, where you can learn more about urine, organ systems and the role of doctors, capping off a brilliant exhibition.
Throughout the Operation Ouch! presentation, there are also doctors explaining certain diseases, illnesses and syndromes related to parts of the body, in a light-hearted manner suitable for kids.
At the end, there is a shop with Operation Ouch!– inspired toys, games and items for purchase.
Although aimed at ages 5 and above, the exhibition is designed for younger children in primary school, particularly given the games and interaction it provides.
The accessible nature of Operation Ouch! allows all children to enjoy it. There are wide spaces for those who require wheelchair access to be able to experience the real life digestive system, as well as sign language interpreters on the screens when Dr Chris, Xand and Ronx guide you through the exhibition.
In addition, the Science and Industry Museum provide large print booklet containing all the information to guide you through the human body, for those who need it.
It is this family-friendly, interactive but accessible nature which is a key part of Operation Ouch!, covering all the senses with bright colours and engaging illustrations.
The children’s humour yet informative style is a great combination. As a special exhibition, Operation Ouch! is open until the 9 June next year, meaning there is plenty of time to visit the digestive system and learn more about the human body.
Tickets can be booked here:
Events | Science and Industry Museum
