Kinesiology Students Explore Anatomy, Physiology Through Lab Work
By Marilyn Huerta
In a recent kinesiology lab at Cal State San Marcos, students traded textbooks for chicken legs and vinegar in a series of interactive experiments designed to deepen their understanding of anatomy and physiology.
Led by kinesiology instructor Megan Paterson, the lab sessions gave students the opportunity to explore osmosis and biomechanics through real-world applications. In one experiment, students soaked eggs in vinegar to dissolve the shells, then placed them in various saltwater solutions and beverages of their choice – with most opting for sodas or sports drinks. By weighing the eggs before and after, they estimated how much water was absorbed, offering insight into osmosis and the salt content of everyday drinks.
“This kind of hands-on learning helps students connect theory to practice,” Paterson said. “It’s one thing to read about osmosis; it’s another to see it happen right in front of you.”
In the afternoon sessions taught by Joseph Lawrence, students dissected chicken legs to compare the large muscles of the thigh with the smaller ones in the calf. They then conducted a bone-breaking experiment, measuring the length and diameter of chicken femurs and tibias and calculating the force required to break them.
The lab also incorporated CSUSM’s Anatomage Tables, allowing students to explore human anatomy in 3D and reinforce their understanding through digital dissection.
Inside kinesiology health labs like this, students combine classic techniques with cutting-edge tools, gaining real-world skills that go far beyond textbooks. The experience helps them build a strong foundation for careers in health and human movement. And they’re doing it with purpose.
“These labs weren’t just about science,” Lawrence said. “They were about reinforcing confidence, curiosity and community.”
These immersive experiences reflect CSUSM’s “Blueprint for the Future,” the name of its recently launched $200 million fundraising campaign. You can support the campaign and fuel more hands-on learning experiences like this. Learn more and give today.
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