View article

Unlike external body parts, organs are invisible and untouchable, making it difficult for children to learn their size, position, and function. Traditionally, human anatomy (body form) and physiology (body function) are taught using a mixture of techniques from worksheets to three-dimensional models. With the advent of low-cost sensing, ubiquitous computation, and emerging e-textiles, new teaching approaches are developing that link the physical and virtual worlds. In this demo, we explore and illustrate the use of a custom wearable e-textile shirt to teach anatomy and physiology to children. Our current implementation uses dyed fabric to show the size and position of body organs and a mixture of electronic sensors and visualizations to dynamically exhibit the wearer's physiology (e.g., heart beat). Though we are still in an early design stage, we discuss our design process, our progress thus far, and plans for future …