COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT

Q. Does the Maniken® Learning System replace dissection?

A. The Maniken® model is not intended to replace dissection, although it certainly has in many classrooms. In several instances, the reason for the switch has been for economic, and not necessarily any ethical objection. One major problem with dissection is that it is difficult to understand the construction of anatomy when approached from the outside in. It is much simpler if studied from the inside out, where the layering makes logical sense. If the system is built first, and then dissected, the value of the dissection is increased tremendously. Secondly, specimens are expendable. Once you have cut them up, you need to replace them. The Maniken® model is non-consumable. You can, and will, use the same model and clay indefinitely. It is literally designed to outlast the building that you are working in.

Q. What resource material do you make available?

A. Zahourek Systems, Inc. offers a wealth of resource material, not only to help you to get started with Maniken® Models, such as Maniken®, but also to assist you in every phase of the teaching process. The Myologik® Atlas of Human Musculature in Clay is unparalleled as a resource. It offers a complete, two page detail of every muscle in the human body (with the exception of the three muscles of the middle ear). It's unique format provides a complete muscle order guide, detailing muscle layering from the inside out. Video tapes offer step by step building of specific areas of the musculature. Teaching guides provide highly successful, classroom tested lesson plans.

Q. What are the differences between the models?

A. Maniken® Model Line, the human anatomy models are available in several distinct versions, each with it's own unique market niche. All are hand cast, and hand finished. Each model allows the student to build the human musculature in detail. However, as the models increase in price, they also increase in detail, as well as in fragility. In the more advanced versions, the inside of the model is treated with as much painstaking detail as is the exterior. These more advanced models are designed for use in the teaching of physiology and kinesiology, as well as anatomy. They are made to promote the construction of the brain, cardiovascular, and neural systems, as well as the complete musculature.

Q. Are they expensive?

A. Maniken® Models, such as the Maniken® model, are a tremendous value, regardless of the model that you choose. Models are available for any budget. When initial cost is compared with life expectancy, the value is obvious.

Q. How many models do I need?

A. There is no exact formula for this. Ideally, each student would have their own Maniken® model to build on. In reality, many budgets simply can not accommodate this one to one ratio. All Maniken® models separate into subsections, which can then be used as individual lab stations. Bilateral models always separate along the mid section, separating into two equal halves. This enables the formation of teams for building on each half. This is a particularly effective technique, since when the halves are eventually combined, a remarkable interaction between the two teams occurs automatically. The important thing to remember is, the Maniken® is only of value when the student builds on it. They need to get their hands on as much of it as possible, and the more they work on it, the more they learn.

Q. I have several classes. Do I have to remove all that the previous class has built before beginning the next session?

A. No. There are many ways to address this situation. In some instances, teachers have elected to have each successive group build on top of the previous groups work. Others have chosen to have each class build on a specific portion of the anatomy, then combine each groups work to achieve the finished Maniken® model. After the classes have had an opportunity to assess each others work, the process is repeated with each class building a different portion.

Q. Is this for advanced level students only?

A. Absolutely not! The whole idea of the Anatomy in Clay® system is to make anatomy not only learnable, but fun. Our experience is that "at risk" and "special needs" students have absolutely blossomed with the Maniken® model, even though they continue to perform dismally with more traditional approaches. Not surprisingly, elementary and middle school kids are some of the best students. They love working with the clay, and they demonstrate intuitive abilities that most adults have learned to suppress. Certainly, the Zoologik® System of Anatomy in Clay® Learning is widely utilized by colleges and universities throughout the world, and their numbers continue to rapidly increase. However, the system and models perform equally amazingly at all levels, and the proof is in the results. This system truly does transcend any attempt at typical grade/ability level labeling, and of that fact we are most proud!