I set out to find simulations that I would be able to use in teaching biology for the first time this fall. I have used many simulations and virtual labs in teaching physical science over the last several years, so I thought it would be fun to find some new simulations. I thought using a dissection simulation prior to dissecting would be beneficial as it would familiarize students with the tools and procedures of the lab before getting starting on an actual dissection.
Frogguts.com provides an excellent dissection simulation demo, but the entire program costs $300 annually. I thought it would work well in my classroom to have students work through the demo and then compare the organs and systems of the frog to those of the human body by using the human body simulation.
This would encourage students to make the connection between the organs and body systems in a frog and those in humans and also assist them in identifying similarities and differences. I am excited to find more simulations and am open to suggestions. The use of simulations could also be helpful in identify misunderstandings that students have since I could easily circulate and ask questions as they worked through the simulations.
hi Kate, thanks so much for the froguts.com link! i worked through the demo and i thought it was very well done. i have already sent the link to the rest of my department for them to try it out.
ReplyDeleteI use simulations on genetics, DNA, RNA, transcription/translation, and some others on hard to teach concepts, but I am at home and do not have any of my work here. I really have some great ones that students love. I will keep you in mind when I get back to school in August. I am assuming we will keep our blogs and/or twitter accts open....
ReplyDeleteI loved the human body simulation and know that my students would love it too. I only have one torso to practice anatomy with them so this would be a great tool to use. Thanks!
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